A MAJOR £3 million fund-raising campaign was launched in Dundee last night to support research into diabetes at Dundee University.

The project will improve clinical research facilities at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School and extend clinical research programmes in Perth and Kinross and Angus.

Lord Provost John Letford hosted the first of three People’s Launches at a civic reception in the city chambers, with similar events for Perth and Kinross being held on May 30 and Angus on June 12.

The aim of the campaign is to raise £3 million over two years and will support three major initiatives:

* Outpatient clinical research facilities in Dundee, Perth and Angus, enabling scientists and doctors to work together to undertake research from “the cell to the community.”

* An extension of dedicated diabetes laboratories at Ninewells Hospital.

* Clinical research equipment and recruitment of an international “superstar” researcher to lead research, accelerating moves to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic.

It is also hoped that the campaign will create jobs, improve the local economy, promote vibrant career progression as well as supporting existing staff such as nurses.

Professor Andrew Morris, one of Scotland’s leading diabetic specialists based at Ninewells, gave a brief presentation at the reception.

“Dundee University already has a long track record of internationally- acclaimed diabetes research, but there is an urgent need to strengthen the clinical facilities across Tayside for people with diabetes who so willingly support the research effort,” he said.

There has been a 90% increase in the number of diabetes sufferers in Tayside over the past 10 years.

The medical school, in collaboration with NHS Tayside, hosts the £2 million development of SCI-DC, the national diabetes computing system for Scotland.

Moreover, the cardiovascular implications of diabetes are being explored in conjunction with the Institute of Cardiovascular Research, also based at Ninewells.

Diabetes Research Campaign chairman Michael Archibald—a Perthshire business man and a diabetes sufferer— also spoke at the launch.

“We want to appeal to the community right across Tayside with this campaign,” he said.

“It’s crucial that people realise the seriousness of the rising incidence of diabetes and how improved clinical research facilities can have a real impact on patients’ lives.”

In addition to the £3 million campaign of public fund-raising, there will be a significant investment from NHS Tayside, including £650,000, which has been granted from the NHS Tayside Endowment Fund.