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Scottish Stem Cell Scientists to Benefit from New Research Fund

Stem cell research in Scotland is set to receive an extra boost with the launch of a new Scottish stem cell research fund on 13 September 2011.  Run by the medical research charity, UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF), and supported by Scottish Enterprise through £300,000 project funding, the fund will help to support the promising work of Scotland’s talented and innovative researchers and clinicians. Many of them require much-needed funding to help progress potential treatments and cures for some of the country’s most devastating illnesses, such as diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, strokes, blindness, liver disease and Alzheimer’s.

Over the next 3 years, the UKSCF is seeking to raise an additional £5 million towards stem cell research projects to help speed up their progress into treatments and therapies for patients. The Foundation has already supported a number of stem cell research projects in Scotland in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise. These have focused on treatments for liver disease, corneal blindness and bone and cartilage repair.

Sir Richard Sykes, Chair of the UKSCF said: “Scotland is home to some of world’s leading stem cell researchers and scientists. However, with ongoing pressure on budgets, it is becoming increasingly difficult to access funding for this exciting area of research. This has led the Foundation with support from Scottish Enterprise to set up a Stem Cell Research Fund specifically for Scotland. We will be focusing on raising funding for research projects from a range of sources, and would encourage everyone with an interest in this exciting area of work to get involved. ”

Andrew Henderson, Life Sciences manager at Scottish Enterprise commented: “With the global cell therapy market forecast to reach $70 billion by 2030, and Sciencewatch naming Scotland as the leading country for stem cell research, there is huge scope for Scottish companies to seize new opportunities to grow.  Major opportunities exist for cell therapies in heart disease, stroke, diabetes and liver failure.  We already have over 20 Scottish companies involved in stem cell activity, and I believe this new fund has the potential to help turn our world-leading science into real commercial success.”

The launch of the Scottish Stem Cell Research Fund will take place on 13 September 2011 at 5.30 p.m. at Abbey House, 83 Princes Street, Edinburgh. There will be opportunities for interviews with Chair Sir Richard Sykes, private equity specialist Jon Moulton, TV presenter and fertility expert, Lord Winston and UKSCF Chief Executive Lil Shortland. To attend or arrange an interview, please contact Maureen Munro at maureen.munro@ukscf.org or call 07805 087742.

Notes

1. UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF) (www.ukscf.org)  is the only medical research charity to fund the development of stem cells by supporting the transfer of stem cell technologies from the laboratory to therapies for patients.


2. The UKSCF is governed by a distinguished and influential Board of Trustees:  Sir Richard Sykes (Chairman), Lady Mary Archer, Jon Moulton, Lord Robert Winston, Nick Ross, Professor Steve Jones, Professor Trevor Jones CBE, several of whom are attending the launch event on 13 September 2011.

Media Contact:

UK Stem Cell Foundation – Maureen Munro 07805 087742 and maureen.munro@ukscf.org

Scottish Enterprise Press Office 0141 228 2019 and pressoffice@scotent.co.uk

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