Medical Research Council |
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Role of organisation |
The Medical Research Council
(MRC) is a national organisation that 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. MRC is mainly funded by an annual
grant-in-aid from Parliament (£304.6 million 1999-2000) via the Department of Trade and
Industry’s Office of Science and Technology. However, the MRC is not a government
department and is independent in deciding which research to support. About half of the
MRC’s research budget (£336.7 million 1999-2000) is invested in its Institutes and
Units where it employs its own staff. The balance funds grant support and training awards
to individuals and teams in higher education institutions. Since it was founded in 1913, the MRC has funded work which has led to some the most significant discoveries and achievements in UK biomedicial research. Highlights include discovering that influenza is a virus (1933), deciphering the structure of DNA (1953) and proving the link between smoking and cancer (1956). More recently, MRC scientists have pioneered the production of monoclonal antibodies (1975), identified the gene defect that causes Huntington’s disease (1993) and, together with US scientists, described the first complete genetic details of a multicellular organism, the nematode worm (1998). During the 20th century, eighteen Nobel laureates have worked for, been supported by, or had associations with the MRC. The MRC’s current research portfolio aims to build on these achievements to address the major challenges of 21st century healthcare, for example cancer, heart disease and mental illness. The MRC gives particularly high priority to discovering how health is influenced by the interplay between factors including, genetic inheritance and development; infection, diet, lifestyle and environmental hazards; the cultural and socio-economic environment; and healthcare provision. |
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Information office |
Head of Corporate Communication (until end
Jan 2001): Liz Morgan-Lewis Chief Press Officer (until end April 2001): Marion Irving External Communications Manager: Elizabeth Mitchell |
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Main responsibilities of information office |
The Corporate Communication Section has a role in tailoring messages, designing vehicles and targeting audiences for all sections of the community. Section staff manage and deliver the MRC’s external communication strategy including the promotion of public engagement with science. They advise staff throughout the organisation on the public relations implications of proposed policies and research strategies, in explaining policies externally and in handling all publicity. Initiatives and training is provided to encourage productive dialogue about medical research between MRC staff, Units and grantholders and members of the public. | |
Address |
20 Park Crescent London W1B 1AL | |
Telephone |
+44 20 7636 5422 | |
Facsimile |
+44 20 7436 2665 | |
Internet |
MRC is at: http://www.mrc.ac.uk |
