Foundations laid for new research centre at St Andrews

Mike Russell laid the foundation stone for a new biomedical research facility

Education Secretary Mike Russell has laid the first stone of a new biomedical sciences research centre at the University of St Andrews.

The complex will study new viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases, including MRSA and C. difficile.

The £15m facility will also focus on research of sleeping sickness, HIV, tuberculosis and bird flu.

The multi-disciplinary facility is part of the Biomedical Sciences Research Centre (BSRC) at the university.

'Save lives'

Mr Russell said: "I was hugely impressed by the plans for the new complex, which is taking shape rapidly.

"Once completed it will not only enhance the reputation of the University of St Andrews but, through providing world-class research facilities, will give students and staff the potential to save lives across the globe by making a major contribution in the fight against disease and infection."

The centre is partly funded by a grant from the Wellcome Trust, which funds research into human and animal health.

Deputy principal Professor Christopher Hawkesworth said: "The University of St Andrews is one of the leading research-intensive universities in the world.

"This state-of-the-art research facility will help us to turn that strength into life-saving breakthroughs.

"By bring together scientists from biology, chemistry, medicine and physics we hope our research will inform global efforts in the fight against disease and infections."