UCLB News

UCL enhances London Genetics' partnering capabilities

29 September 2008

Leading experts in genetics and genomics from UCL and six other academic institutions will provide insight into available expertise and resources in London and advise on project design.

London Genetics Limited, formed by the London Development Agency with major input and investment by UCL Business and other stakeholders, is a commercial company that facilitates and manages partnerships between the healthcare industry and London centres of excellence in genetics and genomics-based medical research.

Today, London Genetics has announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board consisting of leading authorities at the forefront of genetics and genomics research from UCL and six other of London’s top academic institutions. This new Scientific Advisory Board will provide expert advice on industrial partnerships that make use of UCL and other institutions’ unique resources.

With their combined experience in basic, clinical and translational research and their insight into the facilities and expertise available within their institutions, the members of the Scientific Advisory Board are ideally placed to advise London Genetics on available partnership opportunities and optimum study design.

Mark Caulfield, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at Queen Mary, University of London will Chair the Scientific Advisory Board, which will include the following leaders from London Genetics’ other partner institutions:

• Dr Aroon Hingorani, British Heart Foundation Senior Research Fellow, Division of Medicine, University College London

• Tim Aitman, Professor of Clincal and Molecular Genetics, Imperial College London

• Professor Alan Ashworth, Director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research

• Professor Ellen Solomon, Head, Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College London

• Professor Brendan Wren, Head of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

• Professor Nick Carter, Head, Clinical Developmental Sciences, St George’s, University of London

• Shirley Hodgson, Professor of Cancer Genetics, St George’s, University of London

Commenting on today’s appointments, Professor Stephen Smith, Chairman of the Board of Directors of London Genetics and Principal of the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London said: “We are delighted to be working with such a distinguished and talented panel of individuals. Their contribution and advice will be crucial for London Genetics’ success and will help the company attain its ambition to establish London as the leading centre for genetics medicine.”

About London Genetics
London Genetics is a commercial company, funded by the London Development Agency, UCL Business and other key stakeholders, that facilitates and manages partnerships between the healthcare industry and London centres of excellence in genetics and genomics-based medical research. London Genetics provides access to an extensive range of facilities and resources through a consortium of seven of London’s top science and medical Institutions: University College London; The Institute of Cancer Research; King’s College London; The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Queen Mary University of London; St George’s University of London; and Imperial College London.

More information on London Genetics is available at: www.londongenetics.co.uk

For further information contact Dr. Jeff Trickett, Senior Business Manager (Service Companies), UCL Business PLC. tel: 020 7679 9000