Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre. (360G-Wellcome-064638_Z_01_Z)

1\. Background to the proposal: The call for proposals to the Joint Infrastructure Initiative was announced 18 months after the initiation of a major expansion programme in the life sciences at UMIST. Given UMIST's particular strengths in the area of multidisciplinary research in science and engineering, the creation of a new type of Life Sciences Centre (LSC) around three science Departments with complementary interests constitutes a logical development. Funding of the multidisciplinary LSC at UMIST would allow us to create an environment in which the UMIST life sciences research programme will be able to thrive, and would thus allow full realisation of the potential of this forward-looking and unique venture. We believe that the integrated solution we propose will be far more cost-effective and scientifically viable (and original) than any alternative plan that could be conceived to "patch up" deficiencies in our current infrastructure and facilities. 2. The science: The science driving the UMIST life sciences is currently housed in three physically separated Departments: Biomolecular Sciences (BMS), Chemistry, and Instrumentation and Analytical Science (DIAS). The UMIST life sciences expansion programme foresees increases in total size of BMS and DIAS of approximately 100% and 50%, respectively, in terms of personnel and research output, while Chemistry is expanding its Biological Chemistry activities through three new lectureships and a Chair. BMS, DIAS and the Biological Chemistry division of Chemistry are all highly focused research entities with distinct and highly rated research profiles. A wide range of multidisciplinary collaborations already exist between the three Departments, and much of the coming expansion will be oriented towards novel scientific and technological developments that can only be achieved by this special blend of expertise. 3. Justification for a new building: Three aspects of the current physical organisation of BMS, Chemistry and DIAS limit our prospects for optimal progress towards the best possible realisation of the growing potential of life sciences at UMIST. (i) Physical separation of the Departments (ii) Sub- optimal facilities and infrastructure (iiI Inadequate space for expansion The proposed new building will solve all of the above problems by providing state- of-the-art facilities for the life science community at UMIST in a shared environment that will promote high quality multidisciplinary research.