Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 April 2011.

Health: Microbiology

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to increase public sector support for microbiology projects.

Answer: The department will increase funding for research over the next four years, from £1,004 million in 2011-12 to £1,089 million in 2014-15. The department's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including microbial diseases. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals made. In all disease areas, the amount of NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity. The NIHR Clinical Research Network currently has 112 studies in infectious diseases and microbiology that are in set-up or recruiting patients. NIHR funding in this field includes support for the Liverpool Specialist Biomedical Research Centre in Microbial Diseases, and a range of research on microbial diseases carried out by the Health Protection Agency.

Secondary information