Queen Mary, University of London and the Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT) for Humane Research have today announced a joint collaboration which will see the world’s first chair dedicated to animal replacement science based within the university’s Blizard Institute.
The DHT is the UK’s leading medical research charity that funds and promotes the development of techniques and procedures to replace the use of animals in biomedical research and testing. The charity is funding the Professorial Chair through a legacy left to it for this purpose by its lifelong supporter Alan Stross.
The collaboration, which will be announced at a Parliamentary reception hosted by Kerry McCarthy MP this afternoon, recognises the fact that the Blizard Institute has been a pioneer in the development of in vitro models using human cells and tissues and in particular the development of three-dimensional models.
Professor Mike Curtis, Director of the Blizard Institute and Deputy Vice Principal for Health at Queen Mary said: “Our aim is to encourage and stimulate research and education in animal replacement science of the highest quality.
“Areas of special focus will include 3D cell culture, 3D modelling and bioinformatics and regenerative medicine with particular emphasis on, but not limited to, diseases of the skin and the digestive tract.”
Kailah Eglington, Chief Executive of the Dr Hadwen Trust, said: “This branch of science is becoming increasingly accepted among the scientific community and it is vital that new and existing scientists and researchers are aware that successful alternatives to animal testing are available today and that more are needed.”
The appointment will be for an initial period of five years and candidates applying should have an expertise in one or more of the following areas: 3D cell culture, 3D modelling and bioinformatics and regenerative medicine.
Applications for the candidates for the DHT Professorial Chair in Animal Replacement Science at the Blizard Institute will be invited in March 2013.
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