GENERAL…
A new £45 million facility which will help secure Scotland’s future as a world leader in medical and biological sciences was officially opened today by First Minister Alex Salmond.
The University of St Andrews’ new School of Medical and Biological Sciences brings together the medical school (relocated from the Bute Building), biologists and chemists, while also linking to the School of Physics and Astronomy via a first-floor bridge – making it one of the first medical schools in the UK to fully integrate research facilities across the sciences.
The new development aims to produce the doctors of tomorrow, and the research that will inform future therapies and deliver major health benefits.
Mr Salmond said:
“The University of St Andrews has a long, proud tradition in educational excellence and this £45 million state of the art facility will bring together students across all science disciplines to create a rich collaborative environment.
“Scotland’s scientists and researchers have made an immense contribution to shaping the modern world and this new facility will strengthen this reputation. It will not only attract new undergraduates to the University, educating our next generation of doctors, but will establish a hub for the creation of new medical research and breakthroughs.
“This new building will be one of the first UK medical schools where research facilities are integrated across the sciences and this opening demonstrates how Scotland’s oldest University remains at the forefront of innovation.”
Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson said:
“In creating our new School of Medicinal and Biological Sciences we are building on a 600 year tradition. The first University in Scotland was established here in the years between 1411 and 1413. Today we are the first University in Scotland to fully integrate research facilities across the sciences. Our vision for the School is to advance cutting edge medical and scientific research in an effort to solve enduring medical problems and promote human health.”
Head of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Hugh Macdougall said:
“The new School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, located at the heart of one of the UK’s most research-intensive science universities, will create the best environment for medical education and research and the greatest potential for the interdisciplinary collaboration that can help provide solutions to the treatment of currently incurable diseases.”