Plans for a new Chemistry of Health Centre received the thumbs up from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund last week, who have approved the department’s full funding bid for £18m.

Procurement chiefs at the University have given firms until 13 April to prequalify for a two-stage contest with the aim of starting on site before the end of the year.

The Centre will be located on the south side of the existing building and will house the Centre for Protein Misfolding Diseases, a Chemistry of Health Incubator, and the Molecular Production and Characterisation Centre.

These facilities will investigate the molecular processes underlying human disease and also promote their translation into clinical and commercial applications.

Professor Chris Dobson said: “There have been really major breakthroughs within the Chemistry Department here in Cambridge in the context of human health, and particularly in understanding the fundamental origins of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which are becoming frighteningly common in the modern world.

“The Chemistry of Health building will enable us to make a giant step forward in translating this work into future treatments to combat these rapidly proliferating and truly devastating conditions.”

For further information email project manager Jon Ackers or Tel:01223337797.