A \u00a31m donation from a Jersey couple has helped launch a university campaign to build the Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI).<\/p>\n
The donation from James and Mindy Vernon would fund the Digital Collaboration Hub in the institute, which would house computers, bioinformatics software and specialists centralising medical data, backers said.<\/p>\n
The IMI, at Southampton General Hospital, would focus on five major disease areas: cancer, dementia, sight loss, infection, and respiratory and allergic conditions, they added.<\/p>\n
IMI director Prof Paul Elkington, said: “We are delighted and extremely grateful to receive this incredibly generous donation. “<\/p>\n
He added: “The IMI will get life-changing treatments to patients faster.<\/p>\n
“We know families are waiting and, while technology is advancing at pace, medical science must keep up.<\/p>\n
“Southampton is perfectly placed to make this happen. Working side by side and using the latest technologies, we will accelerate discovery from lab to patients.<\/p>\n
“The result will be smarter drugs, innovative devices, and kinder treatments for cancer, dementia, and other devastating diseases – reaching patients in years, not decades.<\/p>\n
“This gift is a clear vote of confidence in our vision for the IMI.”<\/p>\n
The \u00a3100m project is backed by a \u00a350m commitment from the university, with the remaining \u00a350m to be raised through its largest ever fundraising campaign.<\/p>\n
James Vernon added: “The University of Southampton is at the heart of research that touches the lives of so many people.<\/p>\n
“It also holds a special place for Jersey too, as countless islanders depend on Southampton’s specialist medical services.<\/p>\n
“This new centre represents a remarkable chance to go further than ever before, deepen these vital connections and create better outcomes for patients.”<\/p>\n
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