Researchers in Glasgow have received £3 million from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to fund their life-saving cardiovascular research.

Glasgow is one of just six Universities in the UK to be awarded a special grant to fund a cutting-edge BHF Centre of Research Excellence for the next five years.

The Glasgow BHF Centre of Research Excellence will be a hub to generate exciting new approaches to tackle heart and cardiovascular diseases, and become a training ground for the next generation of pioneering cardiovascular researchers.

The funding will allow Glasgow scientists to investigate blood vessel damage which is caused by chronic conditions like hypertension, obesity and diabetes and which is thought to be a root cause of heart and circulatory diseases such as heart failure. The researchers will use cutting-edge technology to study blood vessel damage, and find ways to repair or treat them.

Professor Rhian Touyz, Director of the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, said: "Director of the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre This funding is a real boost for Glasgow that will take our science to greater heights and facilitate training of early career researchers through innovative programmes. Through such opportunities, we will train the next generation of outstanding cardiovascular researchers."

Marjory Burns, Director of BHF Scotland, said: "Glasgow is a melting pot of innovative research. Funding the £3 million Centre of Research Excellence here recognises the University is a world leader in cardiovascular research. With the best and brightest minds on the job, we’ll be even closer to a world where people don’t die prematurely from heart and circulatory diseases.

"This funding could only happen because of the enormous generosity of our donors and volunteers. But heart disease isn’t beaten yet – we urgently need more donations to keep supporting vital research here in Glasgow and across Scotland."

For more information please contact Stuart Forsyth in the Media Relations Office at the University of Glasgow on 0141 330 4831 or stuart.forsyth@glasgow.ac.uk or Marjory Wood, 0131 561 3351, woodm@bhf.org.uk or Clare Shaw, 0131 561 3355, shawc@bhf.org.uk at the BHF Scotland Media Office.

Notes

Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer. For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many mums, dads and grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives.

For more information, visit bhf.org.uk

 

 

First published: 8 July 2013

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