University of Southampton and NHS Trust Launch £100 Million Institute for Medical Innovation

University of Southampton and NHS Trust Launch £100 Million Institute for Medical Innovation

(IN BRIEF) The University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust will open the £100 million Institute for Medical Innovation at Southampton General Hospital. This new building will co-locate researchers in medicine, engineering, and computer science to tackle diseases including cancer, dementia, and infectious and respiratory conditions. Funded by the University and a forthcoming fundraising drive, the IMI will feature advanced labs, data infrastructure, and training facilities. Design work is in progress, with construction planned on the site of two existing hospital buildings. The institute’s proximity to the Centre for Cancer Immunology will streamline translational research and patient access.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHAMPTON, 3-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust are joining forces to establish the Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI), a cutting-edge £100 million centre that will unite leading experts in medicine, computer science, and engineering under one roof. Situated at Southampton General Hospital, this state-of-the-art facility will focus on accelerating research into cancer, dementia, sight loss, infectious diseases, and respiratory and allergic disorders.

Backed by university funding and an upcoming major fundraising campaign, the IMI will provide world-class laboratories, data platforms, and training spaces to equip tomorrow’s medical researchers with the tools they need to deliver life-changing treatments. Detailed design work is underway, with plans to replace two existing hospital buildings to make way for the new institute.

Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southampton, remarked, “At the IMI, interdisciplinary collaboration—combining our top-tier engineering, computing, and clinical teams with cutting-edge technology—will drive breakthroughs at an unprecedented pace. This landmark facility will cement Southampton’s position as a global hub for medical discovery.”

David French, Chief Executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, added, “Our longstanding partnership with the University has already delivered transformational research and clinical innovations. The IMI will deepen that collaboration, drawing the brightest minds to Southampton and advancing our ability to tackle life-threatening conditions.”

Positioned adjacent to the University’s Centre for Cancer Immunology, the IMI will offer seamless access to patients, biological samples, and clinical expertise—ensuring that laboratory insights can be rapidly translated into patient care.

Media Contact:

Tel. +44 (0)23 8059 3212
Email: press@soton.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Southampton