Construction has begun on a £16 million medical imaging centre that aims to improve the treatment of stroke, cardiovascular and brain diseases.
UK Minister for Universities and Science Jo Johnson helped to break ground at the site of the new Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE) at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
The University of Glasgow-led centre will be home to a variety of imaging technology, including a £7 million 7 Tesla MRI scanner, allowing scientists to carry out new clinical research.
The project has been supported by £16 million of UK Government funding through the Medical Research Council as part of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley city deal, and is expected to be complete by the end of 2016.
It is estimated that the centre will boost the local economy by around £65 million over the next decade and create more than 200 jobs.
Anna Dominiczak, vice principal and head of the University of Glasgow's College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, said: "The creation of an internationally competitive centre located within a university hospital campus, and incorporating NHS, academic and industry partners, will allow Glasgow to support a much greater volume and variety of clinical trials and translational development than currently, including benefits to the associated supply chain."
Mr Johnson said: "We're investing in this flagship centre and supporting collaboration that will help cement Scotland's position as a world-beater in research and help save millions of lives in the UK and around the world.
"Glasgow's Imaging Centre of Excellence will create jobs, attract global investment and boost the Scottish economy."
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