Pioneering partnership will tackle world’s most devastating diseases

A groundbreaking new medical institute will bring the greatest minds in medicine, computer science and engineering together in one brand new building.

The £100m facility will be based at Southampton General Hospital.

It will be known as the Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI).

It is a joint initiative between the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

It will bring researchers and medics together in the fight against devastating diseases. These include cancer, dementia, sight loss, infectious diseases and respiratory and allergic conditions.

Life-changing innovation

The state-of-the-art centre will be underpinned by investment from the University and a significant fundraising campaign. This will be launched in the next year.

The IMI will train the next generation of medical researchers. It will equip them with the tools and technology needed to deliver life-changing medical outcomes.

Designs are being worked on ahead of the start of any formal planning process. The IMI is earmarked for construction on the site of two existing buildings at the hospital.

'Bigger and faster breakthroughs'

Professor Mark E. Smith, University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor and President, said:

"At the IMI we will be able to make bigger and faster breakthroughs than ever before.

“Bringing our world-leading researchers across disciplines together - while giving them access to the best technology and data at their fingertips - will provide a beacon of hope.

"The IMI will put Southampton at the heart of medical discovery.”

Longstanding partnership

David French, Chief Executive at UHS, said:

“We have a long and successful partnership with the University of Southampton. This brings the worlds of research and medical innovation closer together to the benefit of our patients.

“This new initiative will further strengthen that bond by attracting the brightest minds and pioneering discovery to our city. It will help further our understanding and treatment of life-limiting conditions.”

The IMI will be embedded in the clinical environment, near the University’s Centre for Cancer Immunology. It will provide researchers with unrivalled access to patients, samples and medical teams.