The National Institute for Medical Reseach (NIMR) is being left to wither on the vine' while the decision to move it away from Mill Hill remains up in the air, the institute's director has claimed.

During crisis talks with Hendon MP Andrew Dismore, Sir John Skehel urged the Medical Research Council (MRC), which runs the institute, to give it unequivocal backing before years of research are ruined.

On July 30, the MRC will decide whether NIMR research into diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and Aids, should be moved to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge by 2010.

Mr Dismore is calling on the MRC to extend the consultation period, but Sir John said that would only make matters worse.

"An extension beyond July, we don't see as that valuable. It is very much a second option," said Sir John.

"There is very real damage being done to the institute by the publication of these proposals. What is needed is a really strong statement of support for the institute by the MRC and not to leave it withering on the vine for a little longer."

Victor Tybulewicz, head of immune cell biology at the NIMR, said many scientists had been approached by other companies. "People say: We are really sorry to hear about what is happening at Mill Hill. But would you like a job at our place?'" he said.

"The place will start off losing the very best people, so it will be a very rapid downward spiral, so that by 2010, there won't be anything worth moving."

Mr Dismore, meanwhile, has given his support to the NIMR by calling for a debate on the proposed move in the House of Commons.

Speaking to scientists at the NIMR on Friday (May 23), he said: "I can see no reason why the decision has to be rushed through we are not talking about a move until 2010."

May 29, 2003 11:00