Funds for administrative support. (360G-Wellcome-052633_Z_97_F)

Wellcome Trust Cardiovascular Research Initiative. The University of Edinburgh has had considerable recent success in setting up new interdisciplinary centres for biomedical research and the intention of the University to institute a Centre for Research in Cardiovascular Biology (CRCB) was highlighted in the submission for the 1996 RAE well in advance of publicity for the CVRI. The CRCB will be a network of interacting groups within an interdisciplinary 'centre without walls'. A Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) will provide the necessary management structure and administrative support for the Initiative to ensure quality in both research and training. As indicated in our original submission, the SAB will comprise Profs Fox, Haslett, Seckl, Webb and Wyllie, as well as all senior and principal fellows related to the Initiative. Therefore, it is envisaged that Dr Mullins would be a member of the SAB from the outset and that Dr Brown would join in due course. The leader of the Initiative will be Prof Webb, a clinical pharmacologist and clinician in cardiovascular medicine who has a background in cardiovascular science, a major research interest in endothelial function, and whose work bridges clinical and laboratory based-research. This group has the following major responsibilities: In research: To review overall strategy and focus, and set the priorities for research; to review ongoing research programmes and assess new proposals for funding; to assess proposals for senior or principal fellows; and to consider applications from potential visiting research staff. In training: To review ongoing training fellowships; to approve and prioritise new training opportunities and requirements; to consider applications for research leave in the UK or abroad to learn new techniques; to implement a programme of research seminars; and to liaise with the University Faculty of Medicine and, where relevant, with the Postgraduate Dean to address and facilitate clinical training needs, a role which the four clinical professors of medicine who are members of the SAB are particularly well placed to accomplish.