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°×С½ãÂÛ̳ has joined forces with its teaching hospitals to create the largest academic health science partnership in Europe. The venture, known as °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Partners, brings °×С½ãÂÛ̳ together with the Great Ormond Street, Moorfields, Royal Free, and °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Hospitals NHS Trusts - creating a combined partnership comprising over 3,500 scientists, senior researchers and consultants.

By pooling resources and expertise, the grouping will be able to produce more world-class research in key areas including cancer, ophthalmology, women's and children's health; a close partnerships between researchers and health practitioners will also enable new scientific discoveries to be translated more quickly into treatments. The partner institutions treat around 1.5 million patients a year between them, and the creation of °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Partners provides a significant boost to NHS patients in London.

°×С½ãÂÛ̳'s President and Provost, Professor Malcolm Grant, said: "The creation of this partnership is a landmark in the history of medical research in the UK, and is particularly relevant in the 60th anniversary year of the NHS. The combined skill, expertise and knowledge of our five organisations promise to deliver to patients the benefits of cutting edge research at its best as quickly as possible."

He added: "The unrivalled treatment and care provided by our partner hospitals will help preserve the UK's position as a global leader in medical research in the face of growing international competition. The power of °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Partners will help us to attract new sources of research funding. This is a great step forward for the NHS, for London and for medical research in this country."

To listen to a recording of an interview with Professor Ed Byrne, °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Vice-Provost (Health), or to watch a BBC video about °×С½ãÂÛ̳ Partners, please use the links at the top of the article.Ìý

Image: Professor Ed Byrne