Continuing metabolic research 1971-1973

1971-1973

4 files

The MRC Metabolic Reactions Research Unit at the Biochemistry Department, Imperial College, was closed on 1 September 1971. Chain applied to the Council for funding for two research projects to continue the work of the Unit.

The projects, to run 1 September 1971-31 August 1973 with possible extension for one further year, were: 'The mode of action of insulin'. 'The biogenesis of ergot alkaloids'. The Council did not accept these applications in full; although Chain was able to continue his research on insulin (partly from MRC Private Funds), his application to work on ergot was refused, as was his application for training grants for Ph.D. students. These refusals prompted him to raise the question of the balance between molecular biology and physiological whole-animal biochemistry in U.K. research. A special meeting of the MRC Training Awards Committee was held on 10 May 1972 for which Chain prepared and spoke to paper 'Future contributions from biochemistry to the advancement of medical research'. See E.93-E.95 for similar material.