This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Life sciences jobs for Dundee
18/01/2007
Up to 75 highly skilled jobs in leading-edge stem cell research will come to Dundee thanks to a new research and development and manufacturing initiative in the city.
Cellartis AB, a Swedish company, is to set up the new facility in Dundee backed by a new £9.5 million joint research programme.
The Intermediate Technology Institute Life Sciences Stem Cell Programme involving Cellartis and the University of Glasgow aims to develop an automated process to produce high quality stem cells - a capability that currently does not exist anywhere else in the world.
A further £1.2 million funding will come from the Executive's Regional Selective Assistance programme to encourage investment in jobs in Scotland.
Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"The jobs of tomorrow will increasingly be in areas with the potential to make a real difference to people's well-being. That is why it is vital that we capitalise on Scotland's skills in leading-edge technologies.
"Dundee has established itself as one of the leading cities in Europe for life sciences. I am delighted that Cellartis, with the help of Scottish Development International, has decided to set up their new facility here in Dundee.
"Establishing a facilty here in Dundee will not only bring up to 75 new high-quality jobs to the city but further emphasise Scotland's reputation as a leader in stem cell technology."
Martin Togneri, Chief Executive of Scottish Development International, said:
"Over the past year SDI has worked closely with Cellartis and we are extremely happy to welcome the company as the latest part of Scotland's Stem Cell research and development community. Cellartis is exactly the type of cutting edge, knowledge driven company Scotland needs to maintain its leading global position in this exciting field.
"Stem Cell Research can only be commercially successful if it is conducted on a global platform, in an open and collaborative environment. The Scottish Government has worked extremely hard to create these conditions and Cellartis' decision to invest in Scottish operations once again validates our Government's approach. The future development and promotion of Scotland's stem cell research community is a priority for SDI and we look forward to maintaining its tremendous growth."