Cambridge’s world-leading Biomedical Campus has been complemented by the opening last week of the West Forvie Building, which has just undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment.
The opening ceremony included guest speakers Professor Alison Richard, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, and Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Research Council.
[Pictured: Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz (left), Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Research Council, opens the West Forvie Building in the presence of Professor Roger Pedersen (right). Photograph by Philip Mynott.]
The West Forvie Building will house the Anne McLaren Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (LRM), the Cardiovascular Laboratory, the Molecular Imaging Laboratory and the Phenomics Laboratory.
The Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, which has been named in memory of Cambridge researcher Dame Anne McLaren, will build on the University’s expertise in understanding stem cells in model systems. Under the directorship of Professor Roger Pedersen, the LRM will provide a platform for numerous types of clinical applications, including transplantation, drug discovery and testing, and medicines that improve the function of the body’s own stem cells. Substantial funds have been contributed to refurbishing and equipping the LRM building by the Medical Research Council, the Royal Society, the Wolfson Foundation, the British Heart Foundation and the Isaac Newton Trust.
The Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine hosts the MRC Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, which is also under the directorship of Professor Pedersen. The MRC Centre plays a key role in the Cambridge Stem Cell Initiative, whose aim is to harness basic research with clinical expertise to develop therapies for human diseases. The Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine provides infrastructure and research resources for the Centre, including generation and analysis of human pluripotent stem cells, production of human gene targeting vectors, and provision of advanced widefield microscopy for stem cell imaging.
Professor Pedersen says: “The resources provided by the Anne McLaren Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine and the new MRC Centre raise the Cambridge profile and capabilities in stem cell research to a high level of visibility both within the UK and internationally”.
The Cardiovascular Laboratory
Research in the Cardiovascular Laboratory will range from cell and molecular biological investigation of the causes and consequences of cardiovascular disease, through various research models to establish disease pathogenesis and the results of treatment. The laboratory will offer laboratory space for up to 3 new Principal Investigators and 25 research staff, with core facilities and key technologies. Co-location with the LRM will allow integrated training of cardiovascular researchers in stem cell medicine, and provide a base for the Cambridge 4 year PhD programme. The availability of state-of-the-art imaging equipment in the West Forvie building will enable detailed studies of disease progression, the utility of novel diagnostics and the effects of novel therapeutics. Substantial funds have been contributed to refurbishing the Cardiovascular Laboratory by the British Heart Foundation, who also support the 4 year PhD programme.
Professor Martin Bennett said: “The West Forvie building will greatly expand research opportunities for Cardiovascular Research in Cambridge, with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular stem cell studies and multimodality imaging. The co-location of stem cell and cardiovascular scientists with state of art imaging is unique in the UK.”
The Molecular Imaging Laboratory and the Phenomics Laboratory
These multi-purpose laboratories will focus on the design and use of various imaging techniques across the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation’s heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But it urgently needs help. It relies on donations of time and money to continue its life-saving work. Because together we can beat heart disease. For more information visit bhf.org.uk
The Medical Research Council is dedicated to improving human health through excellent science. It invests on behalf of the UK taxpayer. Its work ranges from molecular level science to public health research, carried out in universities, hospitals and a network of its own units and institutes. The MRC liaises with the Health Departments, the National Health Service and industry to take account of the public’s needs. The results have led to some of the most significant discoveries in medical science and benefited the health and wealth of millions of people in the UK and around the world. www.mrc.ac.uk
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