Alzheimer’s Research UK has welcomed plans for an Industrial Strategy that would see investment in science form a key part of the UK Government’s approach to economic growth. The charity is calling for the Government to ensure medical research charities have a role in its new strategy, to both increase funding and ensure patients are represented in efforts to boost life sciences.
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, said:
“It’s crucial that the UK’s life sciences sector is supported if we are to find new treatments and preventions for dementia, and we welcome plans to focus on research investment as part of the new Industrial Strategy. This is an important opportunity to bolster research in the UK, and a successful strategy must include medical research charities, who play a valuable role in the country’s life sciences agenda. Charities such as Alzheimer’s Research UK not only bring additional funding for vital research, but help to ensure that innovative science is directed towards improving the lives of patients.
“Initiatives such as the Dementia Discovery Fund, which brings together the UK Government, Alzheimer’s Research UK and industry to back research into much-needed dementia treatments, are a prime example of collaborative working to boost research. The new Industrial Strategy should build on this success and ensure that any Sector Deals should take into account the unique insight charities can offer.”
