What involvement it has had in the decision to establish a UK Stem Cell Foundation; what the foundation's relationship will be with the Sco…

The UK Stem Cell Foundation is being established by a prominent group of individuals, including Sir Chris Evans of Merlin Biosciences, Sir Richard Sykes of Imperial College, Sir Richard Branson, Professor Lord Winston and venture capitalist Jon Moulton. While it is a private organisation, the Scottish Executive is in touch with the Foundation to discuss the scope for joint working on the development of stem cell research in Scotland. The Scottish Stem Cell Network (SSCN) has had a very positive, informal relationship with the UK Stem Cell Foundation to date and it is likely that some members of the SSCN will have more formal roles with the foundation as it becomes established. Scottish Enterprise is also in direct touch with the organisation.
I understand that the foundation is seeking to address the current limited funding available for translational research – i.e. clinical development activities. This complements the existing funding councils and bodies in the UK – such as Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Wellcome Trust
- who generally fund basic science development. The Executive is therefore very keen to work with the foundation in developing Scotland’s undoubted strengths in stem cell research and related activity.