Scottish Academic Health Sciences Collaboration (SAHSC)
Turning Research into Reality
A new partnership between scientists and academics was launched on the 17th June at Surgeons Hall in Edinburgh by the Health and Finance Secretaries. The Scottish Academic Health Sciences Collaboration - backed by £15 million from the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office – will see new posts created across a range of clinical disciplines, including imaging, pharmacy, radiology and tissue banks over the next three years. This unique partnership brings together the combined talents of the NHS Boards and associated university medical schools in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
It places Scotland at the forefront of turning the latest scientific research into real health benefits for patients, including clinical trials and, hopefully, new drugs and treatments and puts Scotland in a strong position to win increased international health research funding and create stronger collaborative links with industry.
The launch was well attended by delegates from academia, commercial organisations, NHS and the public sector and warmly welcomed by the Scottish Government.
“Life sciences research in our NHS and universities is rightly regarded as among the very best in the world. This Government is determined to build on that enviable reputation for the future. By speeding up the process of putting industry in contact with the best researchers; it will give Scotland a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.” Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon
“The major Chief Scientist Office (CSO) investment in the SAHSC provides the backbone to a world-leading resource that positions NHS Scotland and the University Medical Schools at the forefront of patient orientated research’’. Professor Sir John Savill, Chief Scientist of the Health Directorates
“The outstanding medical research that is carried out by our universities in collaboration with their NHS partners has been one of the fundamental building blocks in establishing a successful life sciences sector in Scotland. There is, however, potential to do more and this collaboration will help to make Scotland even more attractive for those global pharmaceutical and biotech companies looking to take advantage of our world class science base and expert clinical practice.” Jack Perry, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise
The full press release can be read at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/17132642
It could be your greatest discovery
Scotland’s life sciences sector is truly world-class, home to renowned researchers and successful businesses.
We have the most comprehensive national life sciences strategy in the world, backed by industry, academia, the National Health Service and government. Scotland is also one of Europe’s leading financial centres.
A global centre of excellence in life sciences
- An amazing history in life sciences and a great future: from penicillin to the p53 tumour suppressor gene.
- Researchers with global reputations, including Prof Sir David Lane and Prof Sir Philip Cohen.
- Dynamic, successful businesses – including Cyclacel, Optos, ProStrakan and LifeScan Scotland.
Key capabilities
If you are looking to invest, partner, locate or work in Scotland, a glance at our life sciences capabilities should help make your decision.
Find out more about Scotland's depth of expertise
Scottish research expertise
Scotland has significant clinical and academic expertise in a number of areas including stem cells, cardiovascular disease, CNS, diabetes and oncology.
Find out more about Scotland's research
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