0.5 Results  (Page 19/20)

Prof. mauro ferrari (president of the alliance for nano health, md anderson cancer research center)

The Alliance for NanoHealth (ANH) saw the opportunity to create a mechanism for collaboration through with Swansea University and in so doing created the International Affiliate Center (IAC) program. Upon visiting Swansea University in 2008, he was very excited to take at the research that was being conducted and from that decided to take preliminary steps in establishing a formal relationship with Swansea University. Dr. Ferrari also stated that he has great expectations from this developing international collaboration and hoped that the affiliation with the Alliance for NanoHealth supports the endeavours of the Centre for NanoHealth not only in the European Union but globally. Inclusive to this was stated that by linking in the global centers and training the next generation of researchers and regulatory agents, new novel Nano-therapeutics could make it into mainstream medical and healthcare, by working in partnership between Academia, the Private Sector and Government this is achievable.

Prof. john white (swansea medical school, chair of research)

The “Collaborative” gives the opportunity for not only meeting great minds in Texas but brings Wales’ minds to Texas. It also broadens the research by creating synergistic links, building on similar pathways but using different approaches. Capitalising on the knowledge bases both in Texas and Swansea has allowed Swansea University to win pivotal research funding awards and has highlighted the capabilities of the collaboration between the Schools of Medicine and Engineering. Inclusive to this is the similar mindset of creating value, whether it is by the research to better Human Heath, the ability to assist R&D of companies or the training of the next generation of researchers who value “Multidisciplinarity”.

It is also important for administration both “Institutional” and “Governmental” to realise their roles in collaboration, as facilitators to enable collaboration to flourish and not be impeded by bureaucracy. There is no room for parochialism in collaboration.

It has been proven that centers of academic excellence can help launch and grow biotech companies. The Institute of Life Science (ILS) is the new research institute for the Medical School at Swansea University. ILS is a £52 million collaboration between the Welsh Assembly Government, IBM, and Swansea University.

A major asset of the ILS is an IBM Blue C supercomputer, the largest computer dedicated to life sciences in the U.K. (2.7 teraflops power now, increasing to 30 teraflops in 2009). Blue C supports the ILS in its interdisciplinary approach to translational medicine, which covers areas like NanoHealth, health technology assessment, and health services research.

ILS has tech transfer, incubator, and business facilities and is part of the National Mass Spectrometry Service Centre. It will be at the heart of the largest NHS trust in Wales with University status and a focus on clinical delivery and commercial partnerships.