Life Knowledge Park is now well advanced in creating a world-class genetic centre aimed at delivering fundamental improvements in human health. This will be achieved through basic and applied research, service development and interaction with industry with appropriate investment in the engagement of society and expansion of public knowledge and appreciation.
The unifying theme of LKP's basic research is genome instability, a subject of pivotal importance in using genome discoveries to address the major degenerative diseases, including cancer, that are associated with an increasingly aged population. Genome instability is also important for research on stem cell biology.
A major challenge of the 21st century will be dissecting the genetic contribution to the diseases of adulthood and evaluating the practical value of genotyping individuals in a health care setting. Advances will depend on an adequately resourced NHS Genetics service, more effective inerfacing between Genetics and Pathology, interaction between public healthcare and the private sector and an expansion of the national biotechnology science base including development of the bio-informatics infrastructure. LKP is investing in key resources to support these aspirations.
Support is provided for the Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Research Institute (PEALS), an internationally recognised team which has developed a range of effective activities in the field of social science in genetics and applied bioethics.
The Science Centre and Lifelab at the International Centre for Life are also sponsored by LKP. The Science Centre aims to educate visitors in the origins of life, DNA and the human body in a fun, educational and entertaining way while Lifelab provides science education that is fully integrated with the educational key stages from infants to senior high school students.