New National Center For Molecular Medicine To Land In Sweden

The Swedish Research Council is investing 8.5 million Euro's in a new laboratory for molecular medicine at Umea University. The laboratory will focus on molecular infectious medicine, and the ultimate objective is for UmeГҐ to become a Swedish node in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL.

An international panel of experts rewieved the applications, winnowing the applications down to Lund and UmeГҐ as the top two candidates. After a complementary hearing, the involvement and long-term commitment of UmeГҐ University and its close connections with EMBL made the difference.

Swedish research to be strengthened

The aim of this new initiative is to strengthen Swedish research and enhance the dynamics in the field of molecular medicine, partly by promoting the career opportunities for young scientists. Ultimately the goal is for the laboratory to serve as a Swedish node in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL. For the coming years the Swedish Research Council has allocated € 8.5 million to be distributed in 2007-2010. Umeå University will contribute some € 10 million.

Infectious medicine in focus

The laboratory now being set up will place its emphasis on the field of molecular infectious medicine. The consortium behind the UmeГҐ Centre for Microbial Research, UCMR, consists of researchers active in the fields of microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, and physics. The research teams working at the Centre have been successful in the development of vaccines, among other work.

The panel of experts writes: "The potential for scientific renewal in relation to this field is high as well as the potential to build a highly dynamic laboratory. This application comes from one of the very best places to study bacterial pathogenesis in Europe. In summary, this is an outstanding proposal."

About The Swedish Research Council

The Swedish Research Council bears national responsibility for developing the country's basic research towards attainment of a strong international position. The Council has three main tasks: research funding, science communication and research policy. Research is the foundation for the development of knowledge in society, and the basis of high-quality education. Research is also crucial as a means of enhancing welfare through economic, social and cultural development.

VetenskapsrГҐdet (The Swedish Research Council)
http://www.vr.se