APPENDIX 21
Memorandum from Anne McLaren, Gurdon Institute
The National Institute for Medical Research
is known throughout the world for the high quality of its biomedical
science. Most of the decisions have recently been rated Alpha
or Alpha*. Part of its strength lies in the very close collaboration
between definite groups within the building. If it were to be
split up into many multiple sites, the critical mass of excellence
and cohesive culture would be destroyed.
As for moving the Institute into central London
and attaching it to a hospital; at present it occupies a unique
place in the UK as the top centre for high quality basic and strategic
biomedical research. To introduce clinical research and clinical
trials into the Institute would alter its character substantially,
lowering the focus and distracting attention from the goal of
scientific excellence. There are many collaborative links already
with clinical research workers, and there are surely better ways
to achieve effective transition from lab to clinic.
In addition, it would surely be hugely expensive
to move the Institute into central London. I have never seen a
good scientific justification as to why the MRC feels that something
new has to be done with NIMR.
11 November 2004
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