Institute of Health Sciences
The School of Medicine at Queen's deservedly enjoys a
distinguished reputation at home and abroad. Reorganisation
has now combined Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical
Sciences-an innovative collaboration that will create a Medical
School and Institute of Health Sciences focused on becoming a
global player in medical and biomedical research, teaching and
compassion in quality patient care.
The mission envisages an Institute capable of effecting truly transformational change in healthcare for a global community and a key driver in the local economy.
One of the major revolutions in modern medicine is taking place in the area of stem cell research, advancing our knowledge on how tissues develop. In the future, stem cells may become the basis for treating diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease spinal cord injury. Part of the vision for the Institute of Health Sciences will be the further development of the study of stem cells and of regenerative medicine.
One of the world's renowned experts in cancer research, Professor Patrick Johnston, is driving this change. Having led the development of the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology - an initiative which has already yielded over £30 million in income, attracted world class researchers and resulted in successful 'spinout' companies-Professor Johnston will now lead the further development of three priority research centres, creating a unique medical campus.
1. Vision and Vascular Research
The current Centre for Vision Sciences at Queen's is recognised for pioneering work into vascular disease-but current facilities and accommodation limit the potential for clinical research and testing of global stature. The ability to establish leading edge facilities and appoint world class thinkers at Chair level can result in the 'translational research' capable of developing new therapeutic approaches to the sight-threatening diseases of the western world.
2. Infection and Immunity
The focus of our cutting edge research in this Centre will have significant impact upon the treatment of serious human diseases associated with infection and impaired immunity. Researchers are particularly focused on viral respiratory infection, measles, asthma and associated allergic diseases, cystic fibrosis and acute lung injury associated with intensive care.
3. Clinical Research Facility
A third and comparably essential component of the new Institute will be the creation of an Experimental Medicine and Clinical Research Centre, in which patients would undergo research programmes safely, effectively and according to approved trial protocols. Such a Centre will enable a step-change in the development of a globally significant Medical School at Queen's.
A Goal for all Mankind
It is not an exaggeration to suggest that the development of an Institute of Health Sciences at Queen's can have an impact on world health of the most positive consequence.
The creation of an integrated infrastructure and environment of the highest order will attract the finest graduates and academics, promote international alliances and collaboration in research, and translate the endeavour and exploration of the laboratory to the improvement of quality of life for patients around the world. Such medical leadership can furthermore create significant value in the economy of Northern Ireland, attracting investment, creating jobs and fostering best practice, as precedents in the United States and Europe have demonstrated.
A Place of Discovery…The Cost in Context
A vision of such potential consequence not unnaturally requires a resource of some consequence. To fulfil this vision the Institute of Health Sciences is recruiting the best thinkers, innovators, scientists and clinicians in the world to work at Queen's. This is underpinned by planned further investment in research infrastructure. The overall cost for the realisation of the three tiers of the Institute of Health Sciences will be of the order of £80 million. This is a substantial challenge for Queen's at a time of economic challenge for all. But the potential outcomes of such enterprise are of a measure that transcend considerations of cost and embrace all of those committed to a world in which health and quality of life are cherished. Can you be part of this genuinely global story?
For more information, please contact:
Norma Sinte, Development and Alumni Relations Office
Queen's University Belfast
BT7 1NN, Tel +44(0)2890973114
email: n.sinte@qub.ac.uk
