6 April 2005
New Clinical Research Centre for Dundee
The University of Dundee, in close partnership with NHS Tayside, is developing a Clinical
Research Centre which is set to transform clinical research activity in Tayside.
Subject to planning approval the £12.1 million centre will be housed in a purpose-built unit
attached to Ninewells Hospital. A planning application for the project has been lodged with Dundee
City Council.
Dundee already has a world-class reputation in biomedical research and the CRC will focus this
expertise into clearer understanding of disease, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment
for patients.
The centre will provide access for patients to new treatments and will further develop research and
treatment in key areas.
The CRC will attract international clinical academics researching disease prevention, diagnosis and
early therapy in diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, and mental health.
The CRC will be sited within a state of-the-art three-storey facility on the northeastern point of
the Ninewells building, across from the multi story car park.
Focused on areas of national health priority, the CRC will provide dedicated facilities to conduct
patient-orientated research in a variety of ensuite bedrooms, small investigations rooms and open
ward areas.
The facility will enable a wide range of clinical testing and measurement in a professional, safe
and friendly environment.
The CRC will function as a "Research Hotel", where researchers in experimental medicine can book
beds or other facilities to conduct their patient-based projects.
The CRC will provide support staff to ensure the highest quality clinical research standards.
The main entry floor of the building will house consulting rooms, a training facility for 60 people
and administration staff. The upper floor will provide facilities for a wide range of clinical
activities and testing including heart and lung function, endoscopy and biopsy.
The lower floor will house the new clinical imaging suite, which is planned to hold an MRI scanner
and a PET scanner. This unit will be the focus of a new research direction for the University of
Dundee and a Professor in Clinical Imaging is currently being sought to head up this unit.
Alison Coughtrie who is heading up the CRC project said, "The clinical research staff in both the
University and NHS will now have access to a state of the art facility. The specialised nursing
staff that will work within the CRC will ensure that patients and other volunteers receive the
highest quality care in a pleasant environment. This is a very exciting development here at
Ninewells and we are looking forward to seeing this innovative building start to take shape."
Construction work on the CRC is scheduled to start in September, with the building expected to be
completed in late 2006. The first patients will start to be treated at the CRC in early 2007.
By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk | 
