GlaxoSmithKline agrees new UK clinical imaging collaboration

GlaxoSmithKline is allying with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and leading London universities to set up a new joint venture in the field of clinical imaging.

The agreement with the MRC, Imperial College London, King's College London and University College London will see the new joint venture take control of operations at GlaxoSmithKline's clinical imaging centre in the capital.

Operations and staff at the facility – which is located on Imperial College London's Hammersmith Hospital campus – will be transferred to the new venture in the third quarter of 2011 to conduct research into new areas and applications of imaging.

It is thought that this new public-private partnership model will create the UK's leading medical imaging centre and will assist in the translation of clinical research into healthcare benefits.

Dr Patrick Vallance, head of medicines discovery and development at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "This agreement is further evidence of the industry shifting towards a more open model of working."

Last month, the company announced plans to conduct a programme of educational events in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympic Games that will aim to encourage British students to pursue science careers.