JDRF in international research mission

JDRF is one of four leading medical research charities which have come together to fund a major new research programme between Britain and Israel.

The Type diabetes 1 charity along with the British Heart Foundation, the MS Society and Parkinson’s UK are leading contributors to a £3.2 million fund to attempt to find cures for a host of challenging conditions and diseases.

Scientists from eleven UK and Israeli universities, including Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Nottingham and Oxford in the UK, are involved in the project.

It is the latest addition to the British Council’s Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange programme (BIRAX) – a £10 million initiative to invest in world-leading research. Last year’s call for applications was launched by Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to Israel.

If medical science is to one day triumph over serious conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, international collaboration between the best investigating researchers is utterly vital.

Clare McVicker, Director of Research Advocacy at JDRF in the UK, said: “If medical science is to one day triumph over serious conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, international collaboration between the best investigating researchers is utterly vital. JDRF is thrilled to partner with BIRAX to expand its Regenerative Medicine Initiative.”

The Type 1 diabetes researchers selected to receive new programme funding will explore aspects of regenerative medicine using stem cell therapies. People living with Type 1 diabetes can no longer produce the insulin they need.

Madi Jacobson, CEO of JDRF Israel, said: “JDRF Israel is excited to take part in the BIRAX initiative, and proud of the leading Israeli researchers involved. It is truly inspiring to be part of a team which holds investing and promoting innovative medical research in high priority. We trust this collaboration of brilliant scientific minds from Israel and UK will improve the lives of millions affected by Type 1 diabetes around the world.”

Alan Gemmell, Director of the British Council in Israel, said: “BIRAX combines the best of what Britain and Israel can offer the world, world-class scientists working together to improve the lives of millions of people. When the UK’s education and research sectors engage with Israel, the benefits go beyond our two countries and can be truly universal.”

Professor Raymond Dwek, CBE, FRS, Director, Glycobiology Institute, Oxford University and Chair of the UK-Israel Science Council, said: “Every now and then a technology breakthrough in science holds promise for dramatic progress in disease therapy and cures. The BIRAX initiative which is supported by leading scientists in the UK has focussed on stem cell therapies with this goal and acknowledges that the UK science base is complemented by the outstanding work in this area in Israel. This combination offers real hope of substantial progress in may disease areas.

“The quality of the scientists involved and the different areas of medicine which could benefit as a result of their research will be for the benefit everyone – something that a global University like Oxford supports strongly.”

Matthew Gould CMG, British Ambassador to Israel said: “Science is right at the heart of UK-Israel relationship. Top British and Israeli scientists are already collaborating to develop cures to some of the most awful diseases. I am delighted that so many medical research powerhouses have now given their support to this collaboration. The new projects we are announcing today have the potential make a real difference to the lives of people who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.”