Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Bournemouth University (BU) have signed an agreement to create a new institute for Medical Imaging and Visualisation.
The new BU institute will be a hub for Medical Imaging technology programme and research development. This will also partner with education, clinical practice, and commercial partners.
£1.4m was given to BU by Dorset LEP through the Government’s Local Growth Fund. As well as establishing the institution, this money will allow for MRI, 3D/4D ultrasound equipment and other machines.
Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry MP, said: “…this state-of-the-art institute will be equipped with the tools and resources it needs to be a global leader in innovative medical research while driving partnerships between the best minds in science and business throughout the UK.”
The institute will be based in BU’s new £42.5 million Gateway building, home to the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences. It will fuse together enhancements in clinical practice, commercial development in intellectual property and advancements in the next generation of 3D medical imaging.
The skills gap in higher level technical provision will also be addressed. As a result, employers will benefit from locally trained skilled technicians who’ll boost productivity and address social mobility.
Strategic growth:
BU is hoping to mirror the success of its Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORIBU). By doing so, this will align BU’s strategic vision in which medical science has been identified as a priority area for strategic growth.
The institute has a close fit with Dorset LEP’s strategic objectives and a close alignment with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy.
It is also likely to form part of Dorset’s Local Industrial Strategy– currently being developed by Dorset LEP to help inform local choices and drive Dorset’s productivity, prosperity and local growth.
Jim Stewart Chair Dorset LEP
Jim Stewart, Chair of Dorset LEP said: “As one of the top 150 young universities in the world, Bournemouth University is a major economic asset to Dorset, and with innovation as one of the primary drivers of economic growth, is likely to feature strongly in our Local Industrial Strategy.
This new Institute for Medical Imaging and Visualisation will help to further position Dorset as a pioneer for ‘healthy living’ for medical technology and a leader in health innovation.”
Professor Stephen Tee, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at Bournemouth University said: “This important Growth Deal funding enables us to explore new research areas and build a new suite of programmes that will develop highly-skilled technical and medical roles within the region.”
For more information, visit www.dorsetlep.co.uk