Date Created: 20 January 2012
Scotland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Californian Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).
Facilitated by Scottish Development International (SDI), the MoU will enable joint research between scientists and companies in Scotland and California and will explore the creation of a collaborative partnership between CIRM and Scotland.
The signing of the MoU was hosted by Professor Sir Ian Wilmut at the new £60 million Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the Edinburgh BioQuarter, and signed on behalf of Scotland by the Scottish Government’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Anne MacColl, Chief Executive of SDI.
Sharing expertise and innovation
Scotland’s global reputation for its world-leading capabilities in stem cell research led CIRM to actively look to develop partnerships with Scottish businesses and academia – creating the opportunity for both parties to realise ambitious projects by sharing expertise and innovation.
Alan Trounson, President of CIRM, said: “Scotland has robust stem cell research communities in both basic science and translational clinical science, which should create synergies with many projects in California and help us further leverage California’s investment in the field for the good of patients everywhere,”
The aims for Scotland in signing the MoU are to:
- Further raise the awareness of Scotland’s profile in stem cells in the US, UK and internationally
- Encourage further links between Scottish companies and their commercial and academic counterparts in California
- Develop closer ties between Californian companies and Scottish clinicians
A trailblazer in the life sciences
Anne MacColl, Chief Executive of SDI said: “Scotland is globally recognised as a trailblazer in the life sciences sector and this MoU is further testament to our appeal as a partner of choice in ambitious world-leading projects.
”The signing of the MoU will provide an excellent foundation for Scottish companies to build relationships with Californian businesses. It will further boost Scotland’s profile as the primary location to undertake clinical trials, help to create new inward investment for Scotland and increase customers for our rapidly growing stem cell supply chain.
“Scottish Development International is committed to supporting Scottish-based companies to work with Californian scientists and businesses on large-scale programmes, driving dynamic growth back into the Scottish economy. The opportunities are boundless.”
California is home to a number of companies that are developing new stem cell-based therapies – all of which presents huge opportunities for the Scottish regenerative medicine industry.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon added: "Scotland’s life sciences research is rightly regarded as among the very best in the world and we are determined to continue to build on that enviable reputation for the future.”
Read more about stem cell research in Scotland