A world-class research centre, which could lead to the creation of 750 cutting edge science jobs, is set to open on the outskirts of Norwich within the next two months, it emerged today.
The final piece of the funding jigsaw which will allow The Genome Analysis Centre to open came after the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) agreed to release £1.5m in funding.
That means the £13.5m centre, on Norwich Research Park, will become operational over the next two months, with an official opening in June.
Critics of genetic research fear the project could promote so-called Frankenstein science and animal experiments, but supporters say its vital work will provide genome sequencing to underpin advances to improve food security, to protect UK agriculture from exotic animal disease and exploit weaknesses in microbes to develop new ways to kill superbugs.
Council leaders have hailed the centre's potential to create hundreds of new jobs in the next decade and the chance for Norwich develop a science base which will rival Cambridge.
The exact projects scientists at the centre will start work on will be determined by an independent Scientific Advisory Board, but future projects could include studying the tomato to understand its anti-cancer properties, investigating economically important organisms such as ryegrass for sustainable bioenergy production and scrutinising the sheep genome to help farmers develop disease resistant breeds.
The majority of the funding will come from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), but Norfolk County Council last month set aside £1m for the scheme, while Norwich City Council and South Norfolk Council have stumped up £500,000 each and the Greater Norwich Development Partnership contributed £1m.
Dr Jane Rogers, director of the centre, said: “The UK has played a key role in the development of genomics research to date.
“Our aim for The Genome Analysis Centre is to give the UK the lead in the sequencing and analysis of scientifically and economically important plants, animals and microbes.
“By understanding the genetic makeup of these organisms and combining this with the latest computing techniques we can make a huge contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of the UK in the coming decades.”
Richard Ellis, chairman of EEDA, speaking on behalf of the economic development partners, said: “We are investing in TGAC to help in the development of a vibrant 'knowledge economy' in Greater Norwich, with high-value jobs and increased commercialisation; to build upon the reputation of the Norwich Research Park for scientific excellence; and to attract innovative science and technology companies to the region.”
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