The Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a national organisation funded by the UK taxpayer. It promotes research into all areas of medical and related science, with the aims of maintaining and improving public health and of contributing to national wealth and quality of life.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, which has led to some of the most significant discoveries and achievements of 20th century medicine, for example the clinical use of penicillin – the first antibiotic –, deciphering the structure of DNA, and establishing the link between smoking and cancer.

The MRC has three major MRC Institutes: the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR, Mill Hill, London); the Laboratory of ; (LMB, Cambridge), and the Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC, Hammersmith Hospital, London). In addition, there are 32 smaller MRC Units, an MRC Health Services Research Collaboration and three grant-funded Centres, most of which are attached to higher education institutions and hospitals throughout the UK.The MRC also has laboratories overseas, in The Gambia and Uganda.About half of the MRC’s expenditure of £345 million in 1999/2000 was invested in MRC establishments, where it employs its own research staff.The remaining half funded grant support and training awards to individuals and teams in universities and medical schools. In 1999/2000, the three main MRC Institutes; spent a total of £52 million between them, while spending on Units amounted to £72 million.

MRC Centres and Units, are established, depending on which type of organisation is most appropriate to the scientific needs and their host setting, to boost research in specific areas or give impetus to research teams beyond the scale of their host institution’s usual research activities. Many of them provide an international focus of expertise in particular areas of science. Some establishments are jointly funded with BBSRC.These are the Neuropathogenesis Unit, the Oxford Centre for Molecular Sciences and the Jenner Institute for Research. In 2000 the MRC awarded new centre grants for: Research (Edinburgh), Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (Institute of Psychiatry, London), and Developmental Neurobiology (King’s College, London). Interdisciplinary research collaborations have been formed with BBSRC and EPSRC in imaging, nanotechnology and tissue engineering.

37 MRC Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC) CSC forms the centrepiece of the MRC’s clinical research initiative, which is aimed at integrating basic biological science with clinical research. It is now the second largest of the MRC’s research establishments and has brought together a number of pre-existing MRC Units, together with research groups and a number of new research teams.

The CSC is located at the Hammersmith Hospital in West London, the major clinical research campus of Imperial College School of Medicine (ICSM), and has formed a close partnership with both ICSM and the Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust (HHT).A new Clinical Research Fellowships scheme has been established jointly with ICSM to promote excellence in research training in academic medicine.

The CSC has strengths in two of the most important and far-reaching approaches to studying biological mechanisms, and , and in vivo imaging and spectroscopy.The CSC undertakes innovative, multidisciplinary research, which underpins and advances our understanding of human health and disease and fosters links between basic science and clinical medicine. By bridging these disciplines, CSC aims to build an integrated understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of disease, and so speed the clinical delivery of improved detection, prevention and treatment of disease.

Director: Contact: Professor Chris Higgins PhD FRSE Mags Clappison MRC Clinical Sciences Centre Tel: 020 8383 8769 Imperial College School of Medicine Hammersmith Campus Website: Du Cane Road www.csc.mrc.ac.uk London W12 0NN Staff: Science and Research Project Expenditure 1999-2000: Support 174 £8 million Management, administration and policy 21 Infrastructure 4 Technical services 49

38 MRC National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) The MRC National Institute for Medical Research is the Council’s largest research establishment.The emphasis is on fundamental non-clinical studies, although staff at the Institute collaborate in clinical research programmes in the UK and the tropics. NIMR research is grouped into four major areas: Neurosciences, which analyses the molecular basis of brain and nervous system function; Structural Biology, which studies the structure, function and interactions between a range of biologically active and medically important molecules; Genes & Development, which investigates the molecular signals that control development from embryo to adult; and Infections and , which aims to understand immune system development, the molecular basis of bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, and investigate how infections and vaccinations produce immunity.

Although the MRC is the single largest source of research funding, the Institute also attracts support from a wide range of different agencies, including medical research charities, international sources, particularly the EU, and from industry.The World Centre based in NIMR’s Division of and the Division of Mycobacterial Research are recognised as WHO Collaborating Centres for reference on influenza and M.leprae.

Director: Contact: Sir John Skehel PhD FRS Mark Franklin National Institute for Medical Research Tel: 020 8959 3666 The Ridgeway Mill Hill Website: London www.nimr.mrc.ac.uk NW7 1AA Staff: Expenditure 2000-2001: 400 scientists £25 million 150 support

39 MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) LMB aims to understand the basic processes of life.The Laboratory has two major goals. Firstly to interpret biological phenomena at the molecular level through a wide range of studies on the structure of proteins, nucleic acids, membranes, organelles and viruses. Secondly to undertake research on the mechanisms and control of gene expression and the three-dimensional organisation of cells.A further aim is to understand pathological conditions in humans.This largely fundamental research uses a variety of biological systems, depending on which is most appropriate to the phenomena under investigation and the experimental approach being used.The analytical methods employed include X-ray crystallography, NMR, electron microscopy and computational and theoretical studies, allied to biochemical and molecular biological approaches.

LMB has four research divisions, structural studies, protein and nucleic acid chemistry, cell biology and neurobiology, but scientific collaboration across these boundaries is extensive, and fluctuating associations between individual staff members are used to tackle problems of common interest.The cross-fertilisation between areas is illustrated by the importance of myelomas and leukaemias for research in molecular immunology and by the way in which recent advances in understanding neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and AIDS are revolutionising diagnosis.

Director: Contact: Dr Richard Henderson PhD FRS Jennifer Cornwell Laboratory of Molecular Biology Tel: 020 7670 5478 Hills Road Cambridge Website: CB2 2QH www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk

Expenditure 1999-2000: Staff: £17 million 276 scientists 142 research, technical and support.

40 Medical Research Council Units and Centres

Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit The aims of this unit are to elucidate neuronal networks by analysis of the properties, synaptic connections and molecular components of identified neurones in the brain, with particular reference to behaviour and to disease.

University Department of Pharmacology Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TH Tel:01865-271 865 Fax: 01865-271 647 http://mrcanu.pharm.ox.ac.uk

Biochemical and Clinical Magnetic Resonance Unit The unit is investigating the biochemical basis of human diseases in an integrated programme ranging from cellular studies to clinical problems. Special emphasis is placed on the development and application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the observation of metabolic processes in cells, living tissues and man.The British Heart Foundation NMR Research Group is associated with this unit.

MRC Centre, Oxford Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy John Radcliffe Hospital Headington Oxford OX3 9DU Tel:01865-221 868 Fax: 01865-221 112 www.bioch.ox.ac.uk

Biostatistics Unit The unit is concerned with the development and application of statistical methods in medicine and biology.This includes research into the epidemiology and aetiology of disease, the development of models of the natural history of disease, the design and analysis of trials of preventive measures or of therapeutic or prophylactic agents and the evaluation of medical technology, and the development of mathematical- statistical techniques. Much of the work of the unit is performed in collaboration with other Council units and other scientific workers.

Institute of Public Health University Forvie Site Robinson Way Cambridge CB2 2SR Unit secretary:Tel:01223-330 366 Fax: 01223-330 388 www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk

41 BBSRC and MRC Neuropathogenesis Unit The unit studies diseases of the nervous system caused by unconventional agents. The pathogenesis of these conditions will be compared with other diseases in which degeneration of the central nervous system occurs.

Ogston Building West Mains Road Edinburgh EH9 3JF Tel:0131-667 5204 Fax: 0131-668 3872

Cancer Cell Unit The Hutchison/MRC Research centre is a new cancer research collaboration between the University of Cambridge,The Medical Research Council and The Cancer Research Campaign. It will be housed in a new building on the Addenbrooke’s Hospital site, funded jointly by the MRC and by Hutchison Whampoa, with the explicit aim of bringing basic research into clinical application. The building is currently under construction and on schedule for opening in spring 2001.

Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge CB2 2QQ www.hutchison-mrc.cam.ac.uk

Cell Mutation Unit This unit studies the responses of organisms to DNA damaging agents (including DNA repair and mutagenesis) and their implications for human health

University of Sussex Falmer Brighton BN1 9RR Tel:01273-678 123 Fax: 01273-678 121 www.biols.susx.ac.uk/MRC

Centre for Protein Engineering The unit exploits protein engineering and enzymology to tackle basic problems in protein and drug design, enzyme catalysis and molecular recognition.

Department of Chemistry University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW Tel:01223-336 341 Fax: 01223-336 445 www.mrc-cpe.cam.ac.uk

42 Clinical Trials Unit This unit (formed by the amalgamation of the MRC HIV Clinical Trials Centre and MRC Cancer Trials Office) supports trials in a wide range of specialities.While maintaining a portfolio of high-quality research in cancer and HIV trials, it will also undertake research in areas such as rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disorders, infectious diseases, geriatrics, complementary medicine, mental health and surgery.

222 Euston Road London NW1 2DA Tel:020-7670 4700 Fax: 020-7670 4818 www.ctu.mrc.ac.uk

Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit The unit (formerly MRC Applied Psychology Unit) aims to achieve better scientific understanding in the areas of attention, emotion, language and memory.

15 Chaucer Road Cambridge CB2 2EF Tel:01223-355 294 Fax: 01223-359 062 www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk

Dunn Human Nutrition Unit The unit will be developing molecular approaches to human nutrition research.

The Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Addenbrooke’s Site Hills Road Cambridge CB2 2XY Tel:01223-252700 Fax: 01223-252715 www.mrc-dunn.cam.ac.uk

Environmental Epidemiology Unit The unit studies the causes of chronic disease by epidemiological methods. Prenatal and childhood determinants of coronary heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, longitudinal studies and other methods explore neurological disorders and osteoporosis.The effects of chemical and physical pollutants are studied by following up exposed groups of people and looking for unusual patterns of disease. Occupational causes of musculo-skeletal disease are investigated through surveys in different areas within Great Britain.

Southampton General Hospital Southampton SO16 6YD Tel:023 8077 7624 Fax: 023 8070 4021 www.mrc.soton.ac.uk

43 Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit The unit uses population-based methods to study the extent, causes and prevention of disease, the consequent implications for health services, and the effectiveness and costs of treatment and management methods.The unit also manages the MRC’s General Practice Research Framework.The British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group is associated with the unit.

Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary and Westfield College Charterhouse Square London EC1M 6BQ Tel:020-7982-6251 Fax: 020-7982 6253

Functional Genetics Unit The new MRC Functional Genetics Unit will seek to make a major contribution to the post-genome challenge. It will be using the most advanced genetic model systems available to explore gene function. High quality research programmes in bioinformatics, proteomics and mouse, C. elegans and Drosophila genetics will be brought together within the unit.A major theme will be to study genes involved in nerve-muscle and nerve-nerve interactions.

University of Oxford The Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QX Tel:01865-272421 Fax: 01865-272421

Health Services Research Collaboration The main aims of the MRC Health Services Research Collaboration (HSRC) are to expand the methodological basis of health services research and to set up specific training programmes which will increase the capacity for high quality health services research in the future.To achieve this, the HSRC will be interacting with the NHS Research and Development Programme, and with other national and international bodies, including the Cochrane collaboration.

University of Bristol Canynge Hall Whiteladies Rd Bristol BS8 2PR Tel:0117-928 7343 Fax: 0117-928 7236 www.epi.bristol.ac.uk/hsrc

44 Human Genetics Unit The unit undertakes research on: (1) molecular genetics of inherited and acquired human disease; (2) the molecular and cellular basis of human and mouse developmental disorders; (3) animal models of human genetic disease; (4) the structure of mammalian chromosomes and the control of chromosome replication and segregation; (5) computer aided image analysis of mammalian development and chromosome structure; (6) high resolution mapping of defined regions of the human genome; (7) gene therapy for cystic fibrosis.

Western General Hospital Crewe Road Edinburgh EH4 2XU Tel:0131-332 2471 Fax: 0131-343 2620 www.hgu.mrc.ac.uk

UK Human Genome Mapping Project Resource Centre The Resource Centre is a national facility funded by the MRC to provide a bioinformatics and biological service to the UK academic community working on the Human Genome Program and to carry out research in its own right, in a newly formed Research Division.

Hinxton Hall Hinxton Cambridge CB10 1SB Tel:01223-494 500 Fax: 01223-494 512 www.hgmp.mrc.ac.uk

Human Immunology Unit Researchers at the unit aim to increase the understanding of the human immune response. Ongoing work encompasses attempts to understand, at a molecular and cellular level, how immune responses protect against, and in some cases cause, disease. In addition, the development of novel and immunotherapies is a priority

Institute of Molecular Medicine John Radcliffe Hospital Headington Oxford OX3 9DU Tel:01865-222336 Fax: 01865-222502

45 Human Reproductive Sciences Unit The unit is studying fundamental and strategically applied aspects of mammalian reproduction in an attempt to develop more effective methods of contraception and more effective treatments for problems related to reproductive health. Studies are being undertaken at a molecular, cellular and endocrine level to further our understanding of the regulation of the human reproductive system, with particular attention to mechanisms that might be exploited for purposes of contraception or account for infertility, menstrual cycle abnormalities, and disorders of pregnancy and foetal development. Immunological, hormonal and pharmacological approaches for the reversible regulation of human fertility are under investigation, and clinical development through links with industry and international agencies.The unit and the University of Edinburgh Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology combine to form the Centre for Reproductive Biology, a collaborative institution within the WHO Human Reproduction Programme and the Rockefeller Foundation Contraception 21 Initiative.

Centre for Reproductive Biology 37 Chalmers Street Edinburgh EH3 9ET Tel:0131-229 2575 Fax: 0131-228 5571 www.hrsu.mrc.ac.uk/index2.html

Immunochemistry Unit Research in this unit is concerned with the structure, biological activities, molecular genetics and control of gene expression of the complement components and complement receptors; the detailed gene mapping of the human HIA region especially with respect to the characterisation of disease-associated haplotypes; expression and engineering of domains, from complement proteins, leukocyte adhesion molecules, serum and lung surfactant lectins, for physical and functional studies; study of cell surface antigens involved in leukocyte adhesion phenomena.

University Department of South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU Tel:01865-275 354 Fax: 01865-275 729 www.bioch.ox.ac.uk/immunoch

46 Institute for Environment and Health The remit of IEH is to promote a healthier environment by facilitating information exchange, identifying and evaluating environmental health issues, and managing research programmes on the adverse effects of chemicals in the environment. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the risks to human health from exposure to hazardous substances in air, water and soil.

University of Leicester 94 Regent Road Leicester LE1 7DD Tel:0116-223 1600 Fax: 0116-223 1601 www.le.ac.uk/ieh

MRC Institute of Hearing Research The Institute of Hearing Research conducts research into hearing and hearing impairments

Unipark University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD Tel:0115-922 3431 Fax: 0115 951 8503 www.ihr.mrc.ac.uk

MRC Laboratories, The Gambia Staff at the MRC Laboratory currently run eight programmes of research relevant to the health of developing societies.These span HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, reproductive health, viral diseases, respiratory infections and non-communicable diseases. In addition, the laboratory co-ordinates a number of clinical trials, behavioural intervention programmes and maintains important cohorts.

PO Box 273 Banjul The Gambia West Africa Tel:00-220 495 442/6 Cables:TROPMEDRES Banjul,The Gambia Fax: 00 220 496 513 Fax: 00 220 495919 (Scientific)

47 MRC Cell Biology Unit The purpose of this centre is to promote first-class research within its cognate area of interest. It also provides a 4-year coordinated training programme to PhD level.

University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT Tel:020 7380 7806 Fax: 020 7380 7805 www.ucl.ac.uk/lmcb

MRC Molecular Haematology Unit The unit was established to apply molecular and cell biology approaches to haematological and related diseases. In addition, the unit is interested in the regulation of the developmental changes of human haemoglobin and the way in which these are modified in patients with inherited disorders of haemoglobin synthesis.The unit studies patients from the UK, but also from a widely dispersed network of collaborative groups throughout the world. It also runs a prenatal diagnosis programme for the major haemoglobin disorders for the whole of the UK. The unit collaborates closely with other groups in the Institute of Molecular Medicine.

Institute of Molecular Medicine John Radcliffe Hospital Headington Oxford OX3 9DU Tel:01865-222359 Fax: 01865-222500/501/737 www.imm.ox.ac.uk/groups/mrc_molhaem

MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit The unit uses a wide range of approaches to investigate mouse models of human genetic disease as well as a variety of fundamental biological phenomena and their relevance to clinical medicine.The Mammalian Genetics Unit works closely with the newly established Mouse Genome Centre creating an integrated campus for mouse genetics research with excellent facilities for molecular genetics, genomics, animal breeding, mutagenesis and transgenesis.As part of the facilities on site, the unit holds one of the largest mouse genetic banks within Europe.

Harwell, Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0RD Tel:01235-834 393 Direct dial: 01235-820 666 followed by extension Fax: 01235-834 776 www.mgu.har.mrc.ac.uk

48 MRC Mouse Genome Centre The UK Mouse Genome Centre has recently been established on the Harwell site and became operational in January 1996.The centre’s remit is the genetic and physical mapping of the mouse genome accompanied by programmes for applying mouse genome resources for the positional cloning of mouse mutations, particularly those of relevance to aspects of human genetic disease.A particular focus is the study of deafness and neuromuscular genes.

Harwell, Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0RD Tel:01235-834 393 Direct dial: 01235-820 666 followed by extension Fax: 01235-834 776 www.mgc.har.mrc.ac.uk

MRC Muscle and Cell Motility Unit The unit studies the fundamental mechanisms of movement and maintenance of cell shape, with special reference to muscle, fibroblasts and red blood cells.

New Hunts House GKT School of Biomedical Sciences London Bridge London SE1 1UL Tel:020-7848 6434 Fax: 020-7848 6435 www.kcl.ac.uk

MRC Prion Unit This new unit, set up in 1999, includes molecular genetic studies of human prion disease and transgenic modelling of human prion diseases.

Department of Neurogenetics Imperial College School of Medicine (St Mary’s) Norfolk Place London W2 1PG Tel:020-7594 3792 Fax: 020-7706 7094

MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit The unit exploits the techniques of protein chemistry, enzymology and molecular biology to investigate the roles of protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in cellular regulation.

Department of Biochemistry Medical Sciences Institute The Dundee DDI 5EH Tel:01382-344 241 Fax: 01382-223 778 www.dundee.ac.uk/biochemistry/mrcppu 49 MRC Radiation and Genome Stability Unit The unit undertakes research on the relationship of genome stability to cellular function and disease with emphasis on the way the mammalian genome restores itself or is modified in the face of physical, chemical or biological perturbation of endogenous or external origin.This is achieved via 5 inter-disciplinary programmes covering (1) biophysics (2) chromosome damage (3) DNA damage (4) DNA repair and mutagenesis (5) experimental haematology.

Harwell, Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0RD Tel:01235-834 393 Direct dial: 01235-820 666 followed by extension Fax: 01235-834 776 www.ragsu.har.mrc.ac.uk

MRC Resource Centre for Human Nutrition Research The resource centre provides state of the art scientific expertise and technologies to advance understanding of the links between human nutrition and health, and will act as an authorative source of nutrition information.

Downhams Lane Milton Road Cambridge CB4 1XJ Tel:01223-426 356 Fax: 01223-426 617 www.mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk

MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit The unit (formerly MRC Medical Sociology Unit) studies the social causes and consequences of health and illness. Its work focuses on the ways in which social class, gender, age, ethnicity, area of residence and marital status is related to health and illness.The MRC and the Scottish Office Department of Health jointly fund the unit.

4 Lilybank Gardens Glasgow G12 8RZ Tel:0141-357 3949 Fax: 0141-337 2389 www.msoc-mrc.gla.ac.uk

50 MRC Toxicology Unit The aim of the unit is to carry out clinical and scientific research on the mechanism of toxicity of chemicals.The unit is designated a WHO Collaborating Centre for the assessment of mammalian toxicity of new pesticides to laboratory animals.

Centre for Mechanisms of Human Toxicity University of Leicester Lancaster Road PO Box 138 Leicester LEI 9HN Tel:0116-252 5600 Fax: 0116-252 5616 http://www.le.ac.uk/cmht/

MRC Virology Unit The unit carries out research on the structure, function and information content of viruses with particular reference to changes in animal cells infected by lytic, latent and oncogenically transforming viruses. Emphasis is given to the application of recombinant DNA methodology to animal virus systems.

Institute of Virology Church Street Glasgow G11 5JR Tel:0141-330 4017 Fax: 041-337 2236 www.vir.gla.ac.uk

51 MRC Centres.

Centre for Synaptic Plasticity The mission of the centre is to advance our understanding of synaptic plasticity in a multidisciplinary and collaborative manner. Specifically, studies will be directed at a greater understanding of how, where and why the brain modifies synaptic strength during normal function (in particular, in learning and memory) and in certain pathological states (such as Alzheimer’s disease).

Department of Anatomy School of Medical Sciences University Walk Bristol BS8 1TD Tel: 0117-928 7420 Fax: 0117-929 1687 http://www.bris.ac.uk/synaptic/

Joint MRC–Newcastle University Centre for Development in Clinical Brain Ageing The research programme of the centre is concerned with the cellular and neurochemical pathology of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and lewy body dementia. Basic studies are directed towards neurochemical, physiological and behavioural processes that are selectively involved in these diseases.

Newcastle General Hospital Westgate Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE Tel: 0191-273 5251 Fax: 0191-272 5291

Oxford Centre for Molecular Sciences OCMS is jointly funded by BBSRC and MRC. Its research activities provide fundamental knowledge and understanding of the structure, function and reactivity of protein molecules. Methodological advances over the last decade offer not only the prospect of describing protein behaviour at atomic resolution in both structural and dynamic terms, but also the hope of consciously altering their properties, with consequent major benefits in human health and welfare.

New Chemistry Laboratory South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QT Tel: 01865 275 627 Fax: 01865 275 905 www.ocms.ox.ac.uk 52 The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council funds and carries out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the next generation of independent environmental scientists.We are advancing knowledge of planet Earth as a complex, interacting system. Our work covers the full range of atmospheric, earth, terrestrial and aquatic sciences, from the depth of the oceans to the upper atmosphere. Our mission is to gather and apply knowledge, create understanding and predict the behaviour of the natural environment and its resources.

Head of Communications Sheila Anderson Tel:01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510

NERC’s Main Research Centres Note: Figures given for funding (Science Budget plus other sources) and staff numbers are rounded, not precise.

53 British Antarctic Survey The Antarctic is a key component of the Earth system, and Antarctic science addresses issues of global and fundamental significance. Progress generally relies on an inter-disciplinary approach and international co-operation.The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) undertakes a world-class science programme of Antarctic research and sustains for the UK a leadership role in Antarctic affairs. It also supports the UK’s international responsibilities under the Antarctic Treaty System.

BAS employs around 400 research and support staff and operates five research stations, five aircraft and two ships. Its main buildings are in Cambridge.

BAS actively communicates its work within the scientific community and engages society through educational, media and public information initiatives.

Director: Head of Communications: Professor Chris Rapley Linda Capper High Cross Tel: 01223 221448 Madingley Road Cambridge Website: CB3 0ET www.antarctica.ac.uk Tel: 01223 221400 Fax: 01223 362616 Staff: 425 Funding 1999-2000: £28 million

54 British Geological Survey (BGS) The British Geological Survey provides geoscience information and advice for the United Kingdom, both onshore, offshore and internationally. BGS undertakes long- term strategic mapping, monitoring, databasing and underpinning applied research.

BGS has around 800 staff of whom over 500 are scientists with a range of governmental, commercial, industrial and managerial experience.The scientists are drawn from a broad range of disciplines, which is essential in mounting multi- disciplinary research projects and process-oriented studies.

State-of-the-art chemical and engineering geology laboratories, digital cartographic and book production facilities, workshops and libraries support the scientists.

Director: Head of Communications: Dr David Falvey Hilary Heason Kingsley Dunham Centre Tel: 0115 936 3497 Keyworth Nottingham Website: NG12 5GG www.bgs.ac.uk Tel: 01159 363100 Fax: 01159 363200 Staff: 750 Funding 1999-2000: £28 million

55 Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is the leading UK body for research, survey and monitoring in terrestrial and freshwater environments.The Centre has nearly 500 scientific staff and well-equipped laboratories and field facilities at nine sites* throughout the United Kingdom.

CEH seeks to advance knowledge in ecology, environmental microbiology, hydrology and virology through high quality, interdisciplinary research. CEH seeks to understand and describe the dynamics of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems through integrated monitoring, experimentation and modelling, to direct research towards predicting human impacts on the environment and generating potential solutions to improve quality of life.

CEH aims to enhance the United Kingdom’s industrial competitiveness through technology transfer, to exploit the Centre’s expertise and facilities to enhance research training in the UK and capacity building overseas. CEH secures and manages environmental data and provide access to academia, governments, industry and the public.

Director: Communications Manager: Professor Pat Nuttall Ian Simpson Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Tel: 01487 772536 Polaris House North Star Avenue Website: Swindon www.ceh.ac.uk SN2 1EU Staff: Funding 1999-2000: 675 £28 million

*CEH Sites CEH Windermere CEH Dorset CEH Wallingford CEH Monks Wood CEH Edinburgh CEH Merlewood CEH Banchory CEH Bangor CEH Oxford

56 Southampton Oceanography Centre (SOC) Southampton Oceanography Centre is a joint venture between the University of Southampton and the Natural Environment Research Council. Opened in 1996 it is a world-class centre of excellence in ocean and earth science and ocean technology.

The Centre has around 450 research, lecturing and support staff. Some 500 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate students are enrolled with the School of Ocean and Earth Science. Four research divisions deliver multi-disciplinary core research programmes for NERC.The Centre manages the UK marine equipment pool, providing a service for the UK’s marine science community, and NERC’s Royal Research Ships, RRS Discovery and RRS Charles Darwin, operate from the SOC docks. National facilities based at the Centre include the National Oceanographic Library and biological, geological and data collections of international importance.

Southampton Oceanography Centre undertakes academic, sponsored and commissioned research, consultancy and collaborative projects with industry, government departments and agencies worldwide.

Director General Enquiries Professor Howard Roe External Affairs Southampton Oceanography Centre Tel: 023 8059 6100 European Way Fax: 023 8059 6101 Southampton SO14 3ZH Website: United Kingdom www.soc.soton.ac.uk

Funding 1999-2000: Staff: (NERC funded) £7 million 250

57 Plymouth Marine Laboratory The Plymouth Marine Laboratory undertakes fundamental and strategic research to underpin the marine requirements of the United Kingdom. It carries out its mission through key partnerships and collaborations with organisations throughout the world.

The laboratory offers unique access to experts and centres of excellence across the disciplines of marine science and technology; delivering state-of-the-art research and forecasting in the marine environment. PML is at the forefront of developing new technology to monitor the marine environment at a time of change.The ultimate goal is to provide methods for predicting change and its feedback and effect on our marine environment

Director General Enquiries Professor Nick Owens Dave Robins Plymouth Marine Laboratory Tel: 01752 633414 Prospect Place Fax: 01752 633101 Plymouth PL1 3DH Website: United Kingdom www.pml.ac.uk

Funding 1999-2000: Staff: £5.5 million 115

58 Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory The scientific research of the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory focuses on oceanography including global sea levels and geodesy, numerical modelling of continental shelf seas and coastal sediment processes.This research, alongside activities of surveying, monitoring, data management and forecasting, provides strategic support for the wider mission of the Natural Environment Research Council.

POL is a leading world centre in tidal prediction (with related interests in earth tides and storm surges) and a leading European centre in modelling and forecasting shelf sea dynamics.The Laboratory is host to a range of national and international services for the benefit of the wider community.These include the British Oceanographic Data Centre, the permanent Service for Mean Sea Level and the UK Tide Gauge Network

Director General Enquiries Dr Ed Hill Tel: 0151 653 8633 Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory Website: Bidston Observatory www.pol.ac.uk Birkenhead Merseyside CH43 7RA Staff: United Kingdom 95

Funding 1999-2000: £4.5 million

Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory (DML) is a world class research laboratory on the west coast of Scotland that has an annual turnover of over £3 million. DML currently employs over 110 scientists and support staff, who play a major role in many national and international scientific research programmes.The research covers a broad spectrum of issues from deep sea fisheries to biogeochemistry and climate change and ranges geographically from the South Pacific to Antarctica, from the shores of Loch Etive to the deep waters of the abyssal plains off the west of Scotland.

Director General Enquiries Professor Graham Shimmield Tel: 01631 559000 Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory Oban Website: Argyll PA34 4AD www.DML.ac.uk United Kingdom Staff: Funding 2000-2001: 110 £3.5 million 59 NERC Units and Centres in Universities

The NERC Centres for Atmospheric Science. The Director of NCAS, Professor Alan Thorpe, will be based at the University of Reading and NCAS will bring together several aspects of NERC’s atmospheric Modelling. Funding will be in the region of £3.5 million.

Atmospheric Chemistry Modelling Support Unit. The Atmospheric Chemistry Modelling Support Unit is a part of the Centre for Atmospheric Science. It is funded by NERC as part of the UK Universities Global Atmospheric Modelling Programme (UGAMP).ACMSU is responsible for provision of the chemical data and codes to the rest of the UK UGAMP community.

University Chemical Laboratory University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EP Tel: 01223 336473 www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/acmsu

Centre for Global Atmospheric Modelling. The Centre at Reading University is part of the UK Universities Global Atmospheric Modelling Programme (UGAMP). It is responsible for maintaining the UGAMP General Circulation Model and related diagnostics programs for the rest of the UGAMP community.

Department of Meteorology University of Reading Earley gate Reading RG6 6BB Tel: 0118931 8315 Ugamp.nerc.ac.uk/cgam/cgam.htm

Centre for Population Biology. CPB conducts basic research in population biology and related disciplines to understand and predict the functioning of ecological systems, from populations to ecosystems.

Imperial College NERC funding: £1m Silwood Park Ascot SL5 7PY Tel: 020 759 42346 www.cpb.bio.ic.ac.uk 60 Environmental Systems Science Centre. ESSC is an interdisciplinary research group whose remit is to develop new ways of handling spatial data for the benefit of the environmental sciences.

University of Reading NERC funding: £400k Harry Pitt Building Earley Gate Reading RG6 6AL Tel: 0118 931 8741 www.nerc-essc.ac.uk/index.html

Sea Mammal Research Unit. The Unit’s mission is to undertake world class strategic research on seals and cetaceans, especially their physiology, ecology and behaviour, and the implications of these for population processes; and to provide advice to government departments and international organisations on the conservation and management of marine mammals.

Gatty Marine Laboratory NERC funding: £500k University of St Andrews St Andrews KY16 8LB Tel: 01334 462630 smub.st-and.ac.uk

Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research (jointly funded by NERC, EPSRC and ESRC). The Tyndall Centre brings together scientists, economists, engineers and social scientists, who together are working to develop sustainable responses to climate change through interdisciplinary research and dialogue on both a national and international level - not just within the research community, but also with business leaders, policy advisors, the media and the public in general.

University of East Anglia Funding: £10m over 5 years Norwich NR4 7TJ Tel: 01603 593162 www.tyndall.uea.ac.uk

61 The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)

PPARC pursues a programme of high quality basic research in particle physics, astronomy, cosmology and space science which furthers understanding of fundamental questions, trains high quality scientists and engineers, increases UK industry’s competitiveness and stimulates the public’s interest. Details of the international facilities to which it provides access through UK membership, including bodies such as the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN, and the European Space Agency, can be found on its web site. PPARC is involved in Gemini, a collaborative project with the USA, Canada and others, to build two 8m optical/infrared telescopes and the centres listed below.

UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC) The objective of the UKATC is to be the UK’s National Centre for design and production of state of the art astronomical technology. It aims to be efficient and cost effective, collaborative, where appropriate, and to involve itself in work that is science driven and project based. UKATC aims to lead in the design and production of state of the art astronomical instrumentation, in the provision of a national focus for UK instrumentation activity, in the stimulation of collaborations involving university groups and in the provision of key expertise required for instrument and telescope development. Participation in the strategic planning, co-ordination and management of the ground-based astronomy programme and facilitation of technology development in industry and universities to meet the needs of the current and future astronomy programme is fundamental to UKATC’s objectives.

Director Website: Dr Adrian Russell www.roe.ac.uk/atc/ Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, Contact: Blackford Hill, Dr Mark Casali (Press Officer) Edinburgh, Tel: 0131 668 8315 EH9 3HJ, UK. Staff: Tel: 0131-668-8100 48 researchers Fax: 0131-668-8264 13 technicians 33 support staff Expenditure 2000-2001: £5.4 million

62 The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) The Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes is operated on behalf of (PPARC) the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council of the United Kingdom and (NWO) the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research of the Netherlands. The operation includes the 4.2m William Herschel Telescope, the 2.5m Isaac Newton Telescope and the 1.0m Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope. The ING is located at the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, Spain.

The Joint Astronomy Centre (JAC) Hawaii The Joint Astronomy Centre provides services and support to enable visiting and staff astronomers to undertake top-quality research using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope and the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope. The JAC seeks to develop these facilities in order to maintain their position as the most advanced of their kind in the world. The JAC operates them in the most cost effective and efficient manner on behalf of the funding agencies and seeks to be responsive to the changing needs of the contributing organisations.

63 Research Council Address, Telephone Number and Website

BBSRC ESRC Polaris House Polaris House North Star Avenue North Star Avenue Swindon Swindon SN2 1UH SN2 1UJ 01793 413200 01793 413000 www.bbsrc.ac.uk www.esrc.ac.uk

CCLRC MRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory 20 Park Crescent Chilton London Didcot W1B 4AL OX11 0QX 020 7636 5422 01235 821900 www.mrc.ac.uk www.cclrc.ac.uk NERC CCLRC Polaris House Daresbury Laboratory North Star Avenue Daresbury Swindon Warrington SN2 1EU WA4 4AD 01793 411500 01925 603333 www.nerc.ac.uk www.cclrc.ac.uk PPARC EPSRC Polaris House Polaris House North Star Avenue North Star Avenue Swindon Swindon SN2 1SZ SN2 1ET 01793 442000 01793 444000 www.pparc.ac.uk www.epsrc.ac.uk

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