The discovery of penicillin, the link between smoking and cancer and the development of MRI scanning were monumental medical advances - and they all took place in the UK. 

Today Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling announced a huge funding rise of 30% over the next three years for medical research.  This will provide a major boost to the impact of research on the nation’s health. 

The Comprehensive Spending Review settlement means that the overall Science Budget will increase from £3.4 billion per year in 2007/8 to almost £4 billion per year by 2010/11 - taking Government support for the UK’s research to its highest ever level.  

Linda Gilroy said “I am delighted that our Labour government continues to support science and research, which benefits the whole of society. The extra money which the government announced in the CSR is for essential research will enable the NHS to make medical breakthroughs to help people when they’re ill, be it with cancer, Alzheimers or the flu. Everyone in Plymouth Sutton will benefit from the research which the Medical Research Council funds.” 

The funding boost will ensure that the UK retains its place as a centre for global scientific excellence, drawing in the finest British and international research talent. It will also further increase the economic and social impact of research, from healing severe wounds more effectively, or helping research cures for deadly illnesses, right through to combating credit card fraud with new technology or developing low-carbon alternatives to help the environment. 

John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills said: 

"DIUS funding supports world class research and its exploitation.  We link the research base and business so that Britain can be the best place in the world for enterprise and innovation.

 “My announcement will enable the UK to maintain its world leading position in research excellence and to build up even stronger exploitation. In doing so we will build a strong economy and a cohesive society that can meet the global challenges of the 21st century." 

“Scientific discoveries have transformed the lives of all of us. This allocation provides researchers with the resources to help translate research into new drugs and treatments which could have an impact right across society. This funding boost raises the impact that science has on the economy and public services.”  

Key allocations include: 

• Funding for a number of multi-disciplinary research programmes including:

-     A major contribution to the £1 billion programme “Living with Environmental Change” which brings together over a dozen organisations; and 

-     An exciting new research programme on “Life-Long Health and Well Being” which explores the biological, physical, environmental and social factors associated with the ageing process at all stages of life.-

-     Increased investment in key areas of national importance, such as energy research and stem cells.  

• Almost £2bn for medical research over three years to fund both basic and translational research in line with the recommendations in Sir David Cooksey’s Report on health research.

• A boost to funding for knowledge transfer programmes, including the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) which will receive £150m a year by 2010/11 to strengthen links between academia and business and help take research to the market.

• £120m funding commitment from the Research Councils for collaboration with the Technology Strategy Board to promote strengthened links between researchers and business and the development of innovative new technology.

• Increasing the budget for the successful Science Bridges scheme to £12m to foster stronger links with international researchers alongside the International Fellowships run by the National Academies. This will help forge stronger links with the US, China, and India in particular.