3 October 2013

University of Dundee wins record level of research funding

The University of Dundee has won a record level of research funding in the year spanning 2012/13 with awards totalling around £140million.

Income from research funding significantly outstripped the previous year's total of £114million, which was itself a new high for Dundee and regarded as being exceptional.

'These record figures we have set in each of the past two years are testament to our research strength and reflect the hard work our researchers have put in to win funding across the University,' said Professor John Connell, Vice-Principal for Research at the University.

'The level of research income demonstrates the vital role the University plays in helping foster the nation's economy and will lead to greater understanding across the disciplines from science to culture.

'We have an overarching mission to transform lives, locally and globally, and the pioneering research we carry out, and how it is applied, is a major factor in helping us achieve that goal.'

The figures for 2012/13 include a particularly strong performance in funding for Life Sciences, boosted by major awards including £24million from the Medical Research Council to support the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit.

The University is central to a biosciences hub in Tayside that accounts for around 16 per cent of the local economy. The significant awards made in the past two years to projects such as the Centre for Translational and Interdisciplinary Research at the University will further boost the sector across Scotland.

Another example is the launch of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) European Lead Factory earlier this year, which will see at least £16.5million invested in Scotland with the University as a central partner. First Minister Alex Salmond said the initiative, 'reinforces Scotland's international reputation as a nation at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and promotes the life sciences sector as central to continued economic growth in Scotland.'

Research council funding as a whole significantly swelled over the year, while there were also strong performances in EU and Scottish Government funding.

'It is particularly encouraging that we have managed to attract such high levels of income in a period when the funding environment has been generally regarded as challenging, set against the backdrop of the global economic picture,' said Professor Connell.

'It is clear that it is the very best research which has the strongest chances of attracting support from Government, charities and industry. We will continue to strive to secure a significant share of that for Dundee.'

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
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University of Dundee
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