Birkbeck and Institute of Hepatology announce new partnership

A new collaboration, between Birkbeck and the Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, was formalised in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Monday 6 June.

The Institute became affiliated to the College in a move that will enable the two parties to build on their research interests and strengths, collaborate in areas of common interest and develop research and publications links which will have a positive impact on future Research Excellence Framework (REF) submissions.

The focus for the collaboration will be on scientific and educational activities. Institute academic staff will hold honorary titles at Birkbeck, and will be able to register for PhD studies at the College, contribute to the School of Science's teaching programme and participate fully in collegial activities.

Piers Pottinger, Chairman of the Trustees of the Foundation for Liver Research, signed on behalf of the Institute, and the Master of Birkbeck, Professor David Latchman CBE on behalf of the College. The event was attended by Professor Nicholas Keep, Executive Dean of Birkbeck's School of Science and colleagues, and Professor Roger Williams CBE, Medical Director of the Foundation for Liver Research with Trustees of the Foundation and staff from the Institute.

Professor Latchman commented: "We are delighted that this collaboration is going forward and particularly the establishment of two new PhD studentships, funded by the Foundation, to promote collaboration on specific studies".

Speaking about the partnership Professor Williams said "I am much looking forward, along with staff of the Institute, to contributing to the scientific work and academic programmes of Birkbeck.  The affiliation will be of great benefit to the Institute of Hepatology in our ambition to develop into a worldclass centre for basic liver research".

In the initial stages, a steering group will be established to manage, develop and promote the collaboration, to identify collaborative activities and initiatives, explore fundraising opportunities to support the collaboration and establish clear lines of communication with key stakeholders.

Issued: Monday 6 June 2011