May 6 2011 11:00AM
UCS welcomed Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to the Ipswich Campus for a guided tour of the new bio-technology laboratories located within the recently opened James Hehir Building|.
The Chancellor paid tribute to the developments at UCS during his visit on Thursday 28 April and in particular highlighted the research being undertaken by UCS which he believes is “the kind of new industry that is going to help drive the British economy forward.”
The tour was led by Professor Brendon Noble, Head of the School of Science, Technology and Health at UCS. Professor Noble is also leading research at UCS into the development of stem cell-derived chondrocytes for the treatment of cartilage damage and joint disease. The development programme is being run in collaboration with California based research giants Geron Corporation|.
Professor Noble said: “Mr Osborne’s visit was a very positive signal that our approach to translating science into commercially useful products is of interest on a UK level. We are very grateful to the Chancellor for taking time to visit and discuss our plans to develop strong academic / industry partnerships. This regenerative medicine research and development work underpins our training programmes in regenerative medicine and the biosciences, all of which represent exciting opportunities to develop skills here in Suffolk for use worldwide”.
Biotechnology research at UCS is aimed at developing new medicines for difficult to treat diseases and medical conditions. Taught courses within the biosciences| cover topics such as the biology of ageing, nutrition and health, tissue regeneration, bio entrepreneurship and business aspects of making new medicines.