New appointment to the Medical Research Council
Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury today announced the appointment of Dr Lefkos T Middleton to the Medical Research Council (MRC). Dr Middleton will take up the role of lay Council member with industry expertise on 1 August 2005. He has been appointed for a period of three and a half years, to 31 March 2009.
Dr Middleton is Head of Translational Medicine and Genetics at GlaxoSmithKline Research & Development, where his role is to support and accelerate drug discovery and development through genetic, biomarker and imaging research initiatives, and experimental medicine. A graduate in medicine at the University of Strasbourg, Dr Middleton completed his training in neurology in France and at Columbia University, New York. His work in Cyprus during the years 1982 to 1999 centred on gene mapping studies and in preventive genetic programmes for highly prevalent neurogenetic diseases in the Mediterranean region. With financial support from the US Government, he founded the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics in 1990, with a focus on research, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic services for neurological and genetic conditions.
Sir Anthony Cleaver, Chairman of the MRC, said:
"I am very pleased to welcome Dr Middleton to the Medical Research Council. Dr Middleton will undoubtedly make a valuable contribution to the work of the Council, where his pharmaceutical knowledge and expertise will be of enormous benefit to us."
For more information contact the MRC Press Office on 020 7637 6011.
Notes to Editors
The MRC is a non-departmental public body, established by Royal Charter and funded mainly by a grant from the UK Government. Accountable to Parliament, the MRC reports to the Office of Science and Innovation. MRC, guided by its Boards and other stakeholders decides what medical science it should fund to deliver its Charter objectives and its mission.
The MRC is a national organisation funded by the UK taxpayer. Its business is medical research aimed at improving human health; everyone stands to benefit from the outputs. The research it supports and the scientists it trains meet the needs of the health services, the pharmaceutical and other health-related industries and the academic world. MRC has funded work that has led to some of the most significant discoveries and achievements in medicine in the UK. About half of the MRC's expenditure of approximately £500 million is invested in its 40 Institutes, Units and Centres. The remaining half goes in the form of grant support and training awards to individuals and teams in universities and medical schools.
The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry appoints members to the Council after considering advice from the Appointments Panel. All appointments to the MRC are made in accordance with the requirements of the Code of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. In accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public: Dr Middleton has not been involved in any relevant political activities in the last five years and has no other Ministerial appointments.
Appointments to MRC Council are part-time, for which an honorarium of £6,120 per annum is currently paid (£8,160 per annum for those members who chair MRC Research Boards). Travel and subsistence expenses (including childcare costs) are also reimbursed. Council members contribute according to their experience and abilities through Council Advisory Committees. Members are expected to commit 20 - 25 days a year to Council business.
Members have a duty to bring an independent judgement to bear on Council business and are expected to observe the highest standards of personal honesty and integrity. Members are expected to adhere to the MRC’s Code of Best Practice for Council Members, which sets out for example rules on the acceptance of gifts and hospitality and on declaring conflicts of interest.
