1.  The University of Edinburgh places a very high value on our strategic partnership with the Medical Research Council, which currently includes integration into our research strategy of two MRC Units (Human Genetics Unit and Human Reproductive Sciences Unit) and two MRC/University Centres.

  2.  The University is aware that the Chairman of the Medical Research Council has been particularly interested in ensuring that the MRC's growing partnership with NIHR in England is also mirrored by comparable partnerships with the NHS R&D systems in the devolved administrations. Since the MRC has a UK-wide remit, the Science and Technology Committee may wish to explore this issue further with Sir John Chisholm, noting that this is an area in which much new good work is being done very rapidly.

May 2007