School of Biosciences praised for significant contribution to medical research
11 June 2018
The Cardiff University School of Biosciences has been praised in the Houses of Commons for its outstanding research.
During the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee’s report on the impact of Brexit on the pharmaceutical sector on May 17 Stephen Doughty, Labour MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, praised the School for its contribution to medical research.
Stephen Doughty said: “Both the EU and the pharmaceutical industry contribute significant sums to medical research and development in the UK. I am thinking particularly of Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences, which does fantastic cancer research, and also—in my role as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on HIV & AIDS—of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative facility, which has fantastic EU funding for its search for an HIV vaccine.”
Professor Jim Murray, Head of School for the School of Biosciences, said: “We are delighted to hear the praise of our School in the committee’s report, as we pride ourselves on our reputation for research, led by internationally renowned researchers.
“The world faces unprecedented challenges for our health and environment, and biosciences has a huge role to play in finding the solutions.
“Our School produces outstanding research in the field of medical and pharmaceutical research, with our School working intimately with five of the University’s research institutes, addressing issues including cancer, mental health and drug discovery.
“Our European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute is investigating the role of cancer stem cells in cancer, to help create targeted cancer therapies and transform the way we diagnose, prevent and treat cancer.
“We also invest our expertise in understanding mental health and dementia, with our Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute and the Dementia Research Institute aiming to translate fundamental discoveries into a greater knowledge of disease mechanisms, treatment and prevention.
Our Medicines Discovery Institute is translating our leading biomedical research into novel drugs, for diseases including cancer and mental health.
“The comments of Stephen Doughty illustrate how our cutting-edge research is increasingly reflected in our reputation, and we are investing to grow this research and develop new impacts for society. At the same time, we offer renowned research-lead teaching, so not only is our School hoping to find the solutions for the problems of our time, but we are also shaping the scientists for the future.”