Scotland's new stem cell research centre opens

A £59 million stem cell research and regenerative medicine centre to be housed in the campus of Edinburgh University was announced by Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell last week. The Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM), to be headed by Professor Ian Wilmut, will be part of a new Centre for Biomedical Research. The SCRM is expected to create around 560 jobs and generate £18.2 million a year for the Scottish economy.

'This will be a fantastic development for Edinburgh, a significant boost to the Scottish economy and will be at the forefront of improving the lives of people right around the world for decades to come', said Mr McConnell. He said that the Scottish Executive will provide £24 million for the Centre, with Edinburgh University adding a further £19 million, and the Scottish Enterprise Network providing $16 million, subject to approval. Anne Glover, chief scientific advisor to the Scottish Enterprise Network, said, 'This initiative has the potential to significantly expand areas for research and development and further strengthens Scotland's international profile in this area'.

Proponents of stem cell research have welcomed the news, pointing to the potential benefits of the research for people affected by degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer's disease. Mark Hazelwood, director of the MS Society, said 'Opposition to certain kinds of stem-cell research should not be allowed to stand in the way of the chance of developing vital new treatments'. Dr Kieran Breen, of the Parkinson's Disease Society, also welcomed the centre: 'Continuing research into all aspects of Parkinson's brings us closer to developing new treatments and, eventually, finding an effective cure'.

The completion date for the centre has been set for 2010.