Introduction

The mission of the Medical Research Council (MRC) is :

• to promote and support, by any means, high-quality, basic, strategic, and applied research and related postgraduate training in the biomedical and other sciences, with the aim of maintaining and improving human health; to advance knowledge and technology and to provide trained researchers to meet the needs of users and beneficiaries (including the providers of health care, and the biotechnology, food, health-care, medical instrumentation, pharmaceutical and other biomedical-related industries), thereby contributing to the maintenance and improvement of human health, the economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom, and the quality of life; to provide advice on, and disseminate knowledge and promote public understanding of, research in the biomedical sciences.

Originally set up in 1913 as the Medical Research Committee, to administer funds provided for medical research under the terms of the National Insurance Act of 1911, the MRC was incorporated under its present title by Royal Charter in 1920. As with other Research Councils, its status is that of an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body, reporting to the Department of Trade and Industry's Office of Science and Technology (OST).

Council members are appointed by the President of the Board of Trade. Aside from the Chairman, its membership usually consists of: MRC's Chief Executive; the Chairmen of the four research Boards and three independent scientists; and seven users: the Chief Medical Officers for England and Scotland; the head of R&D at the Department of Health; two industrialists; and two 'lay' members. A senior representative from the OST also takes part in Council meetings.

Achievements in 1996/97

MRC's achievements can only be summarised here. In addition, the achievements reported relate mainly to the 1995/6 financial year it is not practical to evaluate, and report on, scientific achievements until some time after the end of the financial year.

Scientific

At any one time, MRC supports over 1100 research programmes and projects, peer reviewed to ensure the highest national / international quality. Among the more important research findings during 1995/96 were:

• first analysis of the structure of a viral ribozyme

• a new approach to determining proteins' tertiary structure

• diabetes discovery of a new enzyme controlling the function of insulin

• tuberculosis demonstration of effects of a possible DNA vaccine

• cancer screening evaluation of best techniques for breast cancer screening

Organisational

• Establishment of a new therapeutic antibody centre, jointly funded with industry, to explore clinical applications of monoclonal antibodies.

• Establishment of a technology incubator for commercial exploitation of biomedical research in Scotland.

• Strengthening research in Technology Foresight priority areas through new LINK programmes, a network for ageing research, and other developments; strengthening research to support government's EQUAL initiative.

• Major review of primary care research, with the health departments and NHS, to define research needs and strategies.

• Reviews of need and of procedural and procurement arrangements resulted in total savings of £0.6m in 1996/7 (8% of spend in the areas covered).

Plans for 1997/98

Research, training, and infrastructure

MRC supports a broad portfolio of high quality research relevant to health, and seeks to strengthen and nurture the UK research base in key areas. While maintaining the initiatives and research strengths built up in recent years, MRC will make additional efforts to:

• promote research into gene function, structural biology and relevant areas of bioinformatics, to ensure the UK realises the full potential of genome sequencing initiatives;

• encourage integrative research programmes, drawing together molecular and genetic science and research into cells, organs, and diseases, and in particular, strengthening the interface between basic and clinical studies;

• establish a new initiative in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs)

• strengthen research and training in all areas of bioinformatics, including genetics and molecular structure, brain function, and health care informatics;
• introduce new grant schemes to support the development of better research environments and careers within universities; and

• strengthen training in clinical research.

Effectiveness

During 1997/8, MRC will:

• reduce running costs by £0.55m

• implement the recommendations of the 1996/7 Prior Options reviews

• implement improved procedures for assessing the non-research outputs, and the efficiency, of MRC research establishments

• complete the implementation of a new pay and grading system.

Links with users and the public

During 1997/8, MRC will:

• facilitate the launch of a biomedical venture capital fund focused on new start-ups companies based on MRC research;

• strengthen mechanisms for disseminating research findings to medical practitioners and the health service;

• continue to promote public awareness and debate on the social and ethical implications of genetics research.

Key Performance Targets

The diversity of MRC's aims and activities mean that quantative targets encompassing large areas of work are not available. Achievement of objectives is reported in the Annual Report to Parliament. OST have been working with the Research Councils to agree a of performance information for publication in 1998.