Newcastle University

The funds will be used to continue and expand the world-leading work the partnership achieves in its research into, and treatment of, our ageing population.

The existing Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Campus for Ageing and Vitality will receive £16.6m over the next five years - double its current funding. The extra cash will be used to help improve treatments of a broad range of ageing-related disease.

As a result of a successful joint bid by the Trust and the University to the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, £4.5m will fund a new Biomedical Research Unit, which will carry out research into dementia, specifically Dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease with dementia. 

Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University, Professor Chris Day (pictured), said: "We are delighted by the news. The funding received will contribute significantly to improving our understanding of age-related diseases and their treatment.

"Our existing research centre has already used NIHR support to great effect in improving the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases which are common in the older person.  For example, we have pioneered new treatments for scarring of the cornea, using novel transplantation techniques, and utilised our imaging and brain bank resources to improve the diagnosis of people with different forms of dementia.  Additionally, funding has been key to developing our training and personal development programmes in ageing and age-related diseases, thus expanding the capacity of Newcastle and the UK in general to undertake high quality work in this area.

"The new funding from NIHR will help to keep Newcastle at the international forefront of ageing research.   The increased level of support will enable our clinicians and scientists to maximise impact for patient benefit by “pulling through” basic scientific discoveries into the clinical arena.  

"In conjunction with our world-class research facilities and our internationally recognised investigators we are confident that this fantastic NIHR commitment to Newcastle can be translated into significant clinical discoveries over the next five years.

"The success of our bid to open the new Biomedical Research Unit reflects the strength of the relationship that we enjoy with our NHS partners."

Sir Leonard Fenwick, Chief Executive of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "This is a vote of confidence in the tremendous work that goes on in the region. The remarkable achievement in bringing about the campus for Ageing and Vitality at the General Hospital site and the strength of the partnership between the Trust and the University has been recognised by the Government. Over the next few years the site will generate hundreds of jobs for the region with associated spin off opportunities."

Prime Minister, David Cameron said: "This unprecedented investment into the development of innovative medicines and treatments will have a huge impact on the care and services patients receive and help develop the modern, world-class health service patients’ deserve.

"A strong competitive science and research base is a crucial part of securing sustainable economic growth and creating jobs of the future, and we have some of the best scientists and facilities in the world.  This investment will help ensure we continue to be at the cutting edge."