Cancer Research UK lays out medical research strategy

Leading medical research charity Cancer Research UK has published a new strategy recommendation that it believes would bolster the UK life sciences sector.

The organisation is calling on the government to enact a number of measures to ensure Britain remains a competitive centre for medical research, such as laying out a firm strategic vision to promote and maintain a diverse range of funding streams for healthcare studies.

Other recommendations include creating an infrastructure for sharing research data and collaborative working practices, and ensuring that science education standards are not impacted by university reforms, as well as giving further details on the planned creation of a health research authority.

Harpal Kumar, chief executive officer of Cancer Research UK, said such measures are vital to ensure the UK's medical research sector remains a productive entity and a driver of economic growth.

"At a time when other countries are increasing their investment in science, it has never been more important to develop a sound science strategy that plays to our unique strengths in the UK," he added.

This comes after the organisation offered more than 12 million pounds in grants to ten up-and-coming cancer scientists in July this year.