May 23, 2006

UK ups bird flu fight with GBP10-billion grant
 

Britain's Medical Research Council has plonked an additional GBP10 million, on top of the GBP1.6 million usually set aside, into a major research project that looks into the threat of the H5N1 virus.

Ten research grants, totalling GBP4 million, have so far been awarded to scientists to look at the source, spread and potential cure for the virus, according to awards panel chairman Professor Deborah Smith.

More investments would be placed into research later this year and next in the fight against bird flu, Smith added.

In the meantime, the panel will continue to look for "gaps in research and consider how best to close them," she said.