Medical Research Council

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The MRC’s mission

The heart of our mission is to improve human health through world-class medical research. To achieve this, we support research across the biomedical spectrum, from fundamental lab-based science to clinical trials, and in all major disease areas. We work closely with the NHS and the UK Health Departments to deliver our mission, and give a high priority to research that is likely to make a real difference to clinical practice and the health of the population.

The MRC’s mission, as set out in our Royal Charter is to:

  • Encourage and support research to improve human health
  • Produce skilled researchers
  • Advance and disseminate knowledge and technology to improve the quality of life and economic competitiveness of the UK
  • Promote dialogue with the public about medical research

Working with the Science Council

We are working with the Science Council in two ways.

The first is by using their professional registration scheme and making this available to our staff. This gives our staff a clear framework to support them with planning their career development and also a way of getting better recognition for their skills and the important work they do for us.

The second is wider and, as an employer champion especially, is much more about making this publicly known and support the Science Council in their purpose of making sure that the UK Technical workforce continues to thrive and gets the recognition it deserves.

“The technical registration scheme is now part of the strategy or the MRC Harwell Institute to ensure ongoing development and recognition of our talented technical staff. Underpinning all great scientific endeavours is technical excellence from scientists who excel in delivering the resources needed to support research. For genomic studies this includes molecular and cellular biology, pathology, clinical chemistry, phenotyping, genotyping, cryopreservation and importantly animal care.

The technical registration schemes charts the success and ongoing development of all of these disciplines through driving CPD, encouraging broader training platforms and most importantly incentivising and motivating our resource teams.”

Sara Wells, Director of the Mary Lyon’s Centre, MRC