Centre to celebrate decade of research
Published On Fri 18 May 2018 by Jonathan Watson
The role of the public in developing treatments for some of the world’s most prevalent illnesses is to be celebrated at a renowned Dundee research facility.
The Clinical Research Centre - Tayside, a partnership between the University of Dundee and NHS Tayside, is celebrating its tenth anniversary by throwing open its doors to the public on Monday 21 May.
Staff, researchers and patients at the state-of the-art centre will speak about their work in helping to improve treatments and the management of a range of conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart, lung and liver diseases.
Joining leading University and Health Board figures for the milestone event will be Ricky Verrall, Head of the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office, who will be granted a tour of the Centre’s cutting-edge technology, including its MRI and PET CT scanner-equipped Imaging Suite.
Lesley Peebles, Co-Director of the Clinical Research Centre Tayside, said, “The past ten years has seen some major advances in medical science thanks to the work carried out here.
“Thousands of people from across Tayside have taken part in large important studies, such as The Scottish Family Health Study and the Early Cancer Detection Lung Study, as well as complex clinical trials of new, potentially life-changing medicines and interventional procedures.
“That work is only possible thanks to the patients and public who support us and we are keen for as many people as possible to join us on Monday so we can highlight the importance that they play in our work.”
Opened in 2008 by Nicola Sturgeon, the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, the Clinical Research Centre provides a centre of excellence for medical study and a hub for clinical trial activity.
Supported by the Chief Scientist Office and Health Science Scotland, the Centre links with satellite units elsewhere in Tayside, Fife and Perthshire and has supported more than 200 clinical trials into a range of conditions, including dementia, cancer, stroke, and inflammatory and respiratory conditions.
An integral part of the Tayside Medical Sciences Centre (TASC), the facility combines clinical and academic expertise with public engagement to support key Scottish Government healthcare initiatives.
Monday’s anniversary celebration coincides with International Clinical Trials Day, which commemorates the first ever ‘controlled’ trial by the Scottish physician James Lind, whose 1747 study aboard a Royal Navy ship led to the identification of a treatment for scurvy.
Taking 12 sailors and dividing them into six pairs, he administered different remedies to each group, determining that the vitamin C within oranges and lemons prevented the onset of the condition.
“Clinical trials have come a long way since the days of James Lind, but the ‘controlled trial’ principle remains in much of the work that we do here today,” added Ms Peebles.
“We wish to continue building on the success of the first 10 years and for that we need the continuing support of the people of Tayside.”
Located on James Arrott Drive at Ninewells Hospital, the Clinical Research Centre will host its open day between 9.30am and 3pm on Monday 21 May.
For media enquiries contact:
Jonathan Watson
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 381489
Email: j.s.watson@dundee.ac.uk