Frances Jones

Image: DragonImages, via Adobe Stock Medical Research Council and British Heart Foundation to partner on flagship new obesity research institute The Medical Research Council and British Heart Foundation have unveiled plans to invest £72 million in a new flagship obesity research institute. On 30 July the MRC announced the obesity research investment, which it said will be dedicated to addressing “one of the UK’s most significant health challenges”.

Image: Roman Bengaiev?‏, via Pexels MRC institute will join up research on one of biomedical science’s biggest challenges Top tips The aim for the institute is to function as a hub for biomedical obesity research in the UK, with an important federating role, as well as kickstarting its own research. Work can cover the breadth of the Medical Research Council’s remit and all specialties relevant to obesity.

Image: lensw0rld, via Adobe Stock Westminster government “enthusiastic” to pursue discussions on joining next EU research and innovation programme The Swiss and UK governments are feeling positive about associating to the EU’s next research and innovation programme, though with some caveats, they have indicated to Research Professional News.