A significant anonymous donation from the estate of two Guernsey residents has launched the University of Southampton’s campaign to build a pioneering research centre.
The research centre - The Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI) - will focus on five major disease areas with an urgent need for more research: cancer, dementia, sight loss, infection and respiratory and allergic conditions.
The £100 million project is backed by a £50 million commitment from the university, with the remaining £50 million to be raised through its largest-ever fundraising campaign.
Thanks to early support, including this significant gift from Guernsey, the university has already secured £11m in gifts.
With the university’s investment, the project is £61 million towards its £100 million target.
A Trustee of the Guernsey Trust which made the donation says:
“Having worked with the benefactors for almost 30 years, I know how proud they would be to see their hard-earned funds being used for such an important project in a place that provides a lifeline for people living in Guernsey.
"They were great believers that investing in research is the only way to make lasting change, and this donation will accelerate outcomes in diseases that devastate too many lives.
"We wish the team the best of luck securing the remaining funding needed”
Director of the IMI, Professor Paul Elkington, adds:
"The IMI will get life-changing treatments to patients faster. We know families are waiting and, while technology is advancing at pace, medical science must keep up.
“Southampton is perfectly placed to make this happen. Working side by side and using the latest technologies, we will accelerate discovery from lab to patients.
"The result will be smarter drugs, innovative devices, and kinder treatments for cancer, dementia, and other devastating diseases - reaching patients in years, not decades.
"This gift has launched our campaign with fantastic momentum and is a clear vote of confidence in our vision for the IMI.”
The IMI will be next to the Centre for Cancer Immunology and will be fully operational by 2030.
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