NIMR Renewal
Since the MRC developed its Forward Investment Strategy in 2003, we have been considering how to maximise the research benefit of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). We have developed a vision where the NIMR works in partnership with a college and teaching hospital, enabling it to translate its biomedical research into practical health outcomes.
- The National Institute for Medical Research
- The MRC Vision for the NIMR
- Partnership with UCL
- Timeline of NIMR Renewal
The National Institute for Medical Research
The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) was founded in 1918 and for more than 80 years has been at the forefront of international excellence in basic biomedical research.
The Institute has been prominent in identifying and developing scientific breakthroughs that have contributed to the prevention and improved treatment of many serious diseases and increased understanding of human health. Work at the NIMR has been recognised through several Nobel Prizes.
The MRC Vision for the NIMR
In 2004, the MRC developed a vision for the renewal of NIMR that promoted the Institute as a world-class multidisciplinary biomedical research institute with a mission to undertake both basic and translational research. Whilst maintaining its current strengths as an institute at the forefront of basic research, NIMR’s strategic focus will be extended to encompass more translation of research into health care and contribute significantly to key government strategies for science.
The MRC believes that this can best be achieved in partnership with a leading college and teaching hospital in central London.
Partnership with UCL
Following an assessment of competing bids, the preferred partner is University College of London (UCL). This unique partnership will build on current research at NIMR and existing scientific and clinical links established at UCL to create outstanding opportunities for the development of new research activities with a clear translational focus.
Timeline of NIMR Renewal
July 2006
A newsletter, primarily intended for the staff at NIMR, outlines the vision, the status of the project, a timeline for moving forward and informal meetings with staff.
May 2006
Council had an update on the plans for the renewal of NIMR noting that an external project manager had been appointed.
February 2006
Council considered the recommendation of the Quinquennial Review Subcommittee and congratulated the Institute’s staff for the generally very high standard of science achieved during the past five years and the significant impact of the Institute’s research at an international level.
Council agreed that the preparation of a full Business Case for the renewed Institute should be overseen by a new Council Steering Committee chaired by Mike Brooks and a Project Board, the latter to include representatives of MRC, NIMR and University College London (UCL). The Project Board would meet with members of the Steering Committee for guidance and advice as required.
Council Steering Committee (February 2006): Mr Michael Brooks (Chair), Professor Colin Blakemore, Professor Michael Wakelam, Dr Lefkos Middleton, Professor Alan North, Professor John Savill.
December 2005
Given progress on funding and the decision to purchase the site Council agreed to proceed to the next stage of planning. Council agreed that it wanted further work done to establish the requirements of the new institute in more detail than had been done so far. This would need to include not only a fuller analysis of the benefits of the investment proposed but an option appraisal of the scientific and financial consequences of different levels of investment.
May 2005
Council approved the business plan for the renewal of NIMR in partnership with UCL.
Council questioned whether the size of the proposed Biological Research Facility (BRF) was really necessary and requested that further work be carried out. Council noted that the total net capital cost (estimated at £240m) was based on design concepts rather than definitive building plans. Fully detailed work would need to be carried out as part of the next phase once financial support for the project had been obtained in principle. In the meantime, the current Steering Committee was disbanded.
- Summary of the business case for NIMR-UCL Partnership
- The Science case for the partnership with UCL
- Detailed responses to the partnership proposal in various science work-streams (Genetics, Infections and Immunity, Neurosciences, Structural Biology, Translational Research)
February 2005
Council approved UCL as the preferred partner for the renewal of the MRC NIMR. Council agreed there was now an urgent need for all parties to work together to prepare a business plan for approval by Council. It was agreed that a Project Group including representatives of MRC, NIMR and UCL would take this work forward reporting to the Steering Committee.
December 2004
On the 15th the Council considered proposals and presentations from Kings College London (KCL) and UCL together with an Options Appraisal report and the `enhanced base case` for Mill Hill. Council decided that aspects of both cases (from UCL and KCL) needed further assessment before fully informed decision could be taken on the benefits and risks of choosing either as the preferred partner. Site visits to each College were undertaken by group of Council members chaired by Alan North.
- Full statement from Council on the need for further assessment
- MRC's vision of the future for the NIMR
October 2004
Council confirmed its conclusions on the final report of the Task Force. The main conclusions of the Task Force and Council were:
- That NIMR should be renewed as an intra-mural multidisciplinary research institute focused on basic and translational research;
- That the renewed institute should be located in the London area;
- That the institute would be strengthened by being in partnership and co-located with a leading university and clinical centre, providing an attractive arrangement could be negotiated; and
- That the options of partnership and co-location with KCL and UCL proposed by the Task Force should now be formally evaluated.
Council appointed Dr Fellner to chair a small Council Steering Committee to oversee the further development of a business plan bringing together scientific and business issues.
Council Steering Committee: Dr Peter Fellner (Chair), Mr Derek Flint, Professor Alan North, Professor John Savill, Professor Herb Sewell.
July 2003
MRC Council reviewed the responses to the consultation, which had been analysed by independent consultants.
With respect to NIMR, the Council agreed that there was a need to accelerate development of a vision for a strong scientific future for the NIMR, with increased emphasis on translation and interaction with clinical science. Council decided to consider and consult on a broader set of options for the size and location of NIMR. Council agreed to set up a Task Force to undertake this work. Membership would include international experts, representatives of Council and scientists from NIMR.
Task force Membership: Professor Colin Blakemore (Chair), Professor Alan Bernstein, Professor Kay Davies, Professor Dick Denton, Professor Richard Flavell, Dr Steve Gamblin, Professor Peter Gruss (who withdrew because of pressure of work), Dr Robin Lovell-Badge, Sir Paul Nurse, Professor Steve Tomlinson
May 2003
The Council agreed the emerging recommendations from FIS and agreed that they should be published for consultation, including with staff at NIMR. This included the recommendation that the future programme of NIMR should be developed on a university/medical school site.
March 2003
MRC Council considered the draft report from the FIS subcommittee and, in response to its recommendations for NIMR, Council agreed that the Institute had a continuing high scientific reputation nationally and internationally, with research programmes relevant to many areas of the MRC vision. FIS had identified a strong case to maintain an Institute following the retirement of the current Director, but there was not a strong case for NIMR to remain at Mill Hill.
November 2002
The Council established a subcommittee to develop a forward investment strategy (FIS) for the MRC’s major capital investments over the next 10-15 years. The Council subcommittee met on four occasions including a meeting with directors of all Units/institutes included in the review -this included a meeting with the staff side and director of NIMR.