The comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), awarded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in December 2006, is one of just five such centres in the UK.

The centre is a major collaboration between Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and its academic partner King’s College London, with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as a key strategic partner.  Additional strategic alliances also exist, including with Barts and the London and St George’s NHS Trusts, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust which also has a specialist Biomedical Research Centre for mental health with its academic partner the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London.
The centre has been up and running since April 2007 and is led by Director Professor Richard Trembath and Deputy Director Professor Graham Lord.

The centre’s work is focused on seven key themes:

• Allergy and asthma
• Atherosclerosis (heart disease and stroke)
• Cancer
• Dermatology
• Infection and immunity
• Oral health
• Transplantation

There are also a number of cross cutting areas:

• Cell and molecular biophysics
• Developmental neurobiology.
• Genetics
• Health and social care
• Imaging
• Paediatrics
• Stem cell research
• The Wolfson Centre for age-related disease

The centre aims to:

• expand the translational research pipeline across wide range of diseases and conditons
• develop state-of-the-art facilities for patient based experimental studies and invest in the latest technologies
• develop future leaders in translational medicine by creating an environment that provides excellence in training
• engage actively with our diverse local population, partners and stakeholders
• disseminate the outcomes of its research and drive new treatments and improvements in patient care

The BRC is already supporting more than 300 studies, involving over 4,000 patients.
Highlights so far include:

• Investment in facilities and technologies so our researchers are at the forefront of translational research.  These include new clinical research facilities at both Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals.
• The introduction of a number of innovative training programmes and fellowships.   Many of our clinical training fellows have gone on to win highly competitive external awards.
• The Biomedical Forum.  A monthly meeting that showcases the best translational research from the centre and around the world.
• The development of consultancy services and support services.  This includes a data management service and support service for researchers carrying out user involvement activities.
• Investment in eight major programmes of research, known as interdisciplinary research programmes.   We hope these programmes will deliver real advances to patients in the next few years.
• Partnerships with other universities, hospitals and commercial companies.   These collaborations strengthen our research efforts.
• The opening of the home of our physical Biomedical Research Centre.   Based on the 16th floor of Guy's Tower, this base is a one-stop-shop for researchers.
• The publication of over 50 studies in peer-reviewed journals.   These publications are across a wide range of diseases and disciplines.

For more information, visit: www.biomedicalresearchcentre.org or email: brc@gstt.nhs.uk