For over its 21 years the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) has been setting and monitoring standards for the way charities allocate their funding and acts as a window into what charities are doing in research. It has become an independent and influential voice in Westminster. On the 3rd November at the Royal Society it launched its 21st anniversary book ‘A Very Public Benefit’. The book celebrates the exciting and successful work that the AMRC medical research charities have funded. The CGD Research Trust was delighted to be one of fifty charities featured in the book. Dr Susan Walsh, Medical Research Officer, CGDRT was invited to contribute to the publication, one of only two charities asked to share research experience in rare disorders.
‘A Very Public Benefit’ was launched with an address given by Professor Sally Davies, Director of Research and Development, Dept. of Health. Professor Davies believes that AMRC member charities are dedicated to working with vision, passion, focus, perseverance and courage. She commended ‘A Public Benefit’ as a wonderful endorsement of what the charity sector does.
Professor Davies recognises the scale of the contribution charities make to research, which according to Simon Denegri, AMRC’s Chief Executive, has been an incredible £5 billion in the last 5 years. In the book’s preface Baroness Julia Cumberledge and Lord Turnburg, Chair and Medical Advisor of the AMRC say that this is due to ‘the generosity of the British public and their desire to play a part in finding solutions to disease and conditions which affect them, their friends, family or loved ones.’
The event coincided with a poll of British adults, commissioned by the AMRC, on attitudes to giving and understanding of the work of medical research charities. It found that although British adults have huge gaps in their knowledge of medical research charities, they seem very keen to support such charities. Two-thirds of people said they had donated to medical research at some time and half of these said they were more likely to support medical charities that fund research.
From tin-shakers and patients to the grant makers and research scientists, Professor Davies said that charities are uniquely placed to provide evidence, prompt interactions between all the parties involved and to give hope through their work. This certainly applies to the CGD Research Trust and its pro-active approach in identifying and commissioning the best research, encouraging collaborations, explaining its research strategy and sharing the results of projects.
The AMRC has long been strongly in favour of explaining research to the public. It is a startling fact that medical research tops the list of causes for donations. The AMRC commissioned poll suggests that sharing research information and engaging public interest would not only increase understanding and recognition of the benefits that charity funded projects bring but would prompt even greater generosity from the public.
This commitment to communicate science activity is held equally passionately by Dr Susan Walsh. Whether to families or funders, scientists or schoolchildren, Susan believes that clear explanation behind the science - ‘what is needed, why, how the project works and what is the result’- is likely to engage interest and support.
This shared conviction is one of many that this charity holds in common with the AMRC. A member for the last 12 years, it has been a very fruitful relationship. CGDRT has found their advice and training invaluable. ‘Working with AMRC allows us to interact with a broad range of charities, both large and small. Through the AMRC we share best practice ensuring we continue to have the highest standards possible in selecting research projects to fund’.
We congratulate AMRC on their achievements. There will be many more to come in the next twenty one years.
IMPORTANT NOTE :
The information contained on this website is intended only as a guideline, not as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you or your child has any CGD symptoms or concerns.
© 2001-2007 The Chronic Granulomatous Disorder (CGD) Research Trust
Registered Charity No. 1003425 email:cgd@cgdrt.co.uk
The CGD Research Trust is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), the Genetic Interest Group (GiG) and an associate member of the International Patient Organisation of Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI)
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