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MIMIT™ Launch 2008

A new research centre bringing medics and engineers together to solve clinical problems is set to make Manchester a world leader in patient care.

MIMIT™ (Manchester: Integrating Medicine and Innovative Technology) – the first international affiliate of the highly successful US centre CIMIT® – will draw together clinicians and scientists from a group of Greater Manchester hospitals, GP practices and the University of Manchester in major collaborations to apply the latest technology to clinical problems and transform healthcare in the UK.

It was launched by CIMIT® founder and Director Dr John Parrish on Monday 21 January 2008, at the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester. The event was attended by the MIMIT™ Team, key personnel from CIMIT® and representatives from all MIMIT™'s partner institutions.

Dr Parrish said: “Scientists and engineers may have lots of potential solutions but are not aware of the problems. The challenge is to bring scientists and clinicians together and to create the right environment with the right resources to work quickly to adapt existing or develop new technologies to improve clinical care and outcome. There is a similarity in the basic building blocks of the CIMIT® concept and the physical and organisational components which comprise the bio-medical-engineering research cluster in Manchester. I am looking forward to working with our new partners.”

Director of MIMIT, Professor Jackie Oldham and Clinical Director, Professor Philip Baker agreed: “We believe Manchester is in prime position to recreate the great success of CIMIT® in Boston. The city has both an eminent and dynamic clinical profession and a strong and distinguished community of engineers and scientists. Their collaborations will significantly improve patient care and transform this into one of the most important sectors in the UK.”

Professor Sir Robert Boyd, Chair of the MIMIT™ Board, said: “MIMIT™ has been established at a time when healthcare research is a priority for the Government. In the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the largest ever increase in Government funding for health research – more than £290 million – and ring-fenced almost £1 billion for the National Institute for Health Research through the Department of Health. The Government wants more effective translation of health research into health and economic benefits in the UK and this is exactly what MIMIT™ intends to provide.”

UK Trade & Investment is also delighted to have been a part of this landmark partnership. Cindy Bouthot, Head of UKTI in Boston, said: "This collaboration between a centre of excellence like the Manchester consortium with an innovator like CIMIT® makes perfect sense.  By drawing on the strengths of clinicians, inventors and industry leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, MIMIT™ will improve patient care and safety and be a model for other UK centres to follow in years to come."

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