The University’s MRC Human Genetics Unit and the MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) were recently awarded almost £60 million to help scientists gain fresh insights into illnesses and inherited disorders. The funding from the Medical Research Council will enable researchers and clinicians develop and deliver new tests and therapies for patients - both adults and children. It will boost research into conditions such as schizophrenia, cystic fibrosis and genetic eye disorders including retinitis pigmentosa, coloboma and anophthalmia. Here we speak to a small number of IGMM’s scientists and doctors who are engaged in its cutting-edge research. Furthering research into human genetics Professor Nick Hastie tells us what the money will be used for: HTML Groundbreaking gene therapy trial Dr Chris Boyd, Dr Alastair Innes and Dr Steve Cunningham tell us about a groundbreaking gene therapy trial for adults and children with cystic fibrosis (CF) - coordinated by the UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium (GTC): HTML Pioneering drug discovery Dr Neil Carragher tells about the pioneering drug discovery work going on within IGMM’s Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre: HTML Related Links Medicine - undergraduate study Medicine - postgraduate study MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine MRC Human Genetics Unit Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine Medical Research Council Publication date 18 Jun, 2015
