Scottish independence would damage cancer analysis, Nobel scientist says

“My concern is that it will be challenging to justify employing their cash for research in an independent Scotland.

“This will be a significant difficulty for Scotland and with progress in biomedical analysis, like the remedy of illnesses such as cancer.”

Formerly a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, Sir Paul specialised in the review of cell development and division, and recognized key molecules which management the cycle of cells, possibly paving the way for new cancer therapy.

The discovery led to him currently being named joint winner of the Nobel prize in Physiology or Medication in 2001. He was knighted in 1999 for providers to cell biology and cancer research.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has invited the scientist to provide a speech about research funding in Scotland subsequent month.

He yesterday welcomed Sir Paul’s comments on the independence debate and pointed to figures which he explained show Scotland attracts a disproportionate degree of funding, with £12.forty per head in 2011 against a Uk common of £8.25.

“Scotland could discover itself outdoors the loop, minimize off not just from Uk funding of Scottish study but from Uk-wide collaborative projects and consequently far significantly less able to play what most Scottish individuals will want: the fullest portion feasible in the greatest push Europe has yet noticed to discover greater techniques of treating and curing diseases such as cancer,” Mr Brown said.

But the Scottish Government said current links over research would proceed underneath independence.

A spokesman said: “Scotland has globe class universities producing ground-breaking study, and that will continue in an independent Scotland.

“The Uk at the moment operates as a ‘common study location.’ It is plainly in the curiosity of each Scotland and the rest of the Uk to preserve this with independence – something in line with existing worldwide practice which sees in depth cross-border co-operation on investigation funding.”

Scottish independence would damage cancer analysis, Nobel scientist says