£800m boost to UK medical research - graduate jobs

UK graduates keen on a career in medical research will be buoyed by the fact the Government is to spend £800 million in developing new treatments for a number of diseases and improving healthcare in the next five years.

The amount, which represents the largest single allocation for early stage research ever handed out by the Government, is part of the £4 billion medical research pot announced during the comprehensive spending review last October.

Illnesses and diseases like cancer, diabetes, dementia and heart disease will be targeted with researchers hoping to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Part of the funding will be used to pay for four biomedical dementia research units, with research carried out through the NHS and National Institute for Health Research-managed university partnerships.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "This unprecedented investment into the development of innovative medicines and treatments will have a huge impact on the care and services patients receive and help develop the modern, world-class health service patients' deserve.

"A strong competitive science and research base is a crucial part of securing sustainable economic growth and creating jobs of the future, and we have some of the best scientists and facilities in the world."

Copyright Press Association 2011