Medical research pairing strengthened with the University of Edinburgh
Two leading medical research institutions are to collaborate more closely to tackle the world’s most pressing health problems.
Karolinska Institutet and the University of Edinburgh, UK, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding signalling their intention to work more closely together.
Existing collaborations between the two partners are already bringing together scientists in the fields of regenerative medicine, public health and genetics research. Recognising their complementary strengths, and the strong opportunities these bring for new research to lead to health improvements, both Universities have agreed to strengthen these ties through the creation of a formal partnership.
Major new joint initiatives in the commonest diseases affecting people in northern Europe, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, infection, inflammation and degenerative brain disorders including multiple sclerosis are planned. Training the next generation of research leaders will also be a focus for the partnership. This will be achieved by student and staff exchanges as well as joint provision of learning opportunities such as conferences, courses and workshops. The alliance also builds on a successful postgraduate student exchange that has been in place since 1999.
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked in the world top 50 universities. Its world-renowned College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine is one of the leading institutions in the UK for research into human and animal medicine.
Professor Anders Hamsten, Vice-Chancellor of Karolinska Institutet said: “The University of Edinburgh and Karolinska Institutet have common interests and our respective strengths and complementarities can provide synergies of great value to both institutions. Formalising our joint efforts is one step in our current and planned collaborations in medical and healthcare research and education.”
“Our institutions have enjoyed successful collaborations for many years and I am delighted that we have formalised our joint objectives and shared goals. Expanding our linkages will bring significant benefits for medical and healthcare research, teaching and learning.” said Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.