Cambridge wins when we collaborate well.
- Claire Ruskin
Welcoming the announcement, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, said the decision recognises Cambridge’s strengths in precision medicine which span the discovery of novel biomarkers through to the development of commercial diagnostics and innovative health service delivery models.
Professor Borysiewicz said: “Cambridge is committed to translating its world-leading research into affordable benefits for patients as well as supporting the government’s agenda for job creation and economic growth. By working in close proximity to the Catapult, I am confident we will accelerate our own translational research programmes in addition to making a major contribution to the Catapult’s goal of making the UK the most attractive place in the world to develop precision medicine tests and therapies”.
(Image removed)On behalf of Professor Patrick Maxwell, Regius Professor of Physic and Head of the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Dr John Bradley, Director of the Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, and representatives from over 200 organisations in the Cambridge biomedical cluster and the East of England, the Cambridge bid was coordinated by Jeanette Walker (right), Project Director for campus developers Liberty Property Trust and Countryside.
The decision was announced by Chancellor George Osborne after a rigorous site selection process undertaken by an independent panel of experts working alongside the Catapult’s team. In addition to the HQ, the Catapult, led by John McKinley whose appointment as CEO was also announced, will be establishing a network of centres of excellence across the UK.
Cambridge is an internationally renowned biomedical cluster and is home to a cadre of high calibre academic researchers, entrepreneurs and clinicians with precision medicine expertise. Cambridge also has a successful track record in pioneering new initiatives relevant to precision medicine and rolling these out to other centres in the UK.
According to Jeanette Walker, the process of bidding for the Precision Medicine Catapult, which was funded by campus developers Liberty Property Trust and Countryside, is proof not only that Cambridge operates as a fully integrated cluster but that it also enjoys the support of regional partners. Jeanette said: “I was overwhelmed by the level of support from colleagues in the wider Cambridge area as well as other locations in the region including the Norwich Research Park and the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. We are all delighted the Precision Medicine Catapult HQ is coming to Cambridge and are ready to put our collective skills and experience at the disposal of the Catapult to help (Image removed)ensure its success”.
Claire Ruskin, CEO of Cambridge Network, congratulated Jeanette Walker: “Cambridge wins when we collaborate well. Jeanette pulled together a winning bid with apparently 270 individuals contributing – she is to be heartily congratulated for managing such a challenge of thought leadership!”
Andrew Lynn (right), CEO of Fluid Analytics and a Cambridge Network Director, added:"The Precision Medicine Catapult's arrival in Cambridge is a unique opportunity to combine the resources and expertise of one of the world's largest and most advanced healthcare systems, the NHS, with the long and distinguished track record of one of the world's greatest centres for technological innovation. This is a tremendous opportunity for the UK to fundamentally improve the way that healthcare is delivered."