Edinburgh genetics institute in £60 million funding boost

A centre for research into genetics at Edinburgh University is to benefit from almost £60 million of Medical Research Council funding to help scientists gain fresh insights into conditions such as cancer, arthritis, cystic fibrosis and schizophrenia.

Edinburgh University said its Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) is already one of the largest in Europe and with the funding, which will be paid over the next five years, it aims to consolidate the IGMM's position as a world leader in genetics research.

Institute Director, Prof Nick Hastie said: "The challenge we face is to work out how human genes work together to build a human. We also want to find out how subtle DNA differences help shape human diversity and influence susceptibility to a wide range of common diseases. This funding will help us to turn the potential of the genetic revolution into reality."

The money has been awarded to teams carrying out research on schizophrenia, cystic fibrosis, cancer, osteoarthritis and genetic eye disorders, amongst other conditions.

The IGMM is a partnership between the Medical Research Council, the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research UK.