Investing for Impact
Outputs, outcomes and impact of MRC research
The MRC funds medical research and training from fundamental lab-based science to clinical trials, and in all disease areas. We work internationally in partnership with public and charity funders, with industry, regulators, policy makers and the public to deliver its mission. In deciding which research to support, the MRC places priority on discovery science that is likely to make a difference to clinical practice and improve human health.
The Investing for Impact report highlights the benefits derived from MRC-funded research and reflects the focus of the MRC Delivery Plan (PDF, 523KB) and the MRC's strategic objectives as outlined in Research Changes Lives 2014-2019 (PDF, 2.15MB). We have selected case studies of reported research impact realised during 2015/2016 and that highlight MRC-led strategic initiatives. For quantitative analysis, we have analysed the MRC’s investments and reported outputs over the last five years placed in the context of 10 years of MRC funding.
Nanopore sequencing is a triumphant example of how discovery science funded by the MRC was translated into a novel technology poised to deliver widespread societal impact. Read the full story.
Outputs from MRC research
- Outputs, outcomes and impact of MRC research
- Quantitative analysis:
Decades of discovery science set to revolutionise healthcare
It can be argued that the development of any successful innovation that transforms healthcare would not be possible without the knowledge derived from decades of discovery science preceding it. Curiosity-driven discovery science provides the fertile ground upon which novel technologies for improving human health are developed; historical examples include the development of MRI for imaging, or radiotherapy for treating cancer. Similarly, nanopore sequencing – a novel technology with applications in healthcare -- results from decades of disparate branches of interdisciplinary discovery science converging to produce a commercial sequencing device called the MinION that literally brings the power of modern genomics to the palm of your hand.