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A lab-grown ‘beef’ burger produced from muscle stem cells, artificial liver cells using umbilical cord blood stem cells, and light-sensitive photoreceptors used to restore vision are just some of the ground-breaking discoveries in regenerative medicine of the last 50 years, showcased in the latest timeline, published today (9 September) by Research Councils UK (RCUK).
Regenerative Medicine coincides with today’s announcement of £25 million investment from the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Councils (EPSRC) to set up a new hub for pluripotent stem cell research and to develop state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to support regenerative medicine research.
The timeline highlights decades of RCUK-funded research has led to successes in the fields of tissue engineering, gene therapy, stem cell biology and bio-materials that have already had a huge impact on healthcare and society, but which also offer fundamental potential in areas of unmet medical need, such as heart and neurological diseases, and economic benefits for the UK.
The impact of research is realised through the combination of several investments over time. The Research Councils seek to ensure that the outputs and outcomes of their funded research have significant long-term benefits for the economy and society. This timeline, one of a series, highlights how investments made in research over the long-term combine to create a significant impact in particular areas. In addition, research in one area can combine with that from another to drive innovation and provide a key contribution to UK growth.
For example, Sir John B Gurdon’s discovery in 1962 that the specialisation of cells is reversible is ultimately enabling the engineering of tissues and organs, including skin, arteries, cartilage and retinal pigment epithelium. Understanding how to re-programme cells has also expanded the opportunities for drug toxicity testing to make safer medicines.
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Katie Clark
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Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark
All RCUK timelines are available at: www.rcuk.ac.uk/Publications/reports/Timelines
A key part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy is supporting technologies where the UK has the depth of research, expertise and the business capability to develop and exploit commercially. Regenerative medicine is one of ‘Eight Great Technologies’ identified by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in autumn 2012 when he announced an additional £600 million to help support their development. These eight are: Big Data and energy-efficient computing, Satellites and commercial applications of space, Robotics and autonomous systems; Synthetic biology, Regenerative medicine, Agri-science, Advanced materials and nanotechnology, and Energy and its storage
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
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