A New Resource for Biotechnology — The European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures

Abstract

The UK Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CAMR; previously the Microbiological Research Establishment) has a distinguished history in biotechnological innovation which dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, with pioneer work in fermentation vessel and process design and continuous-flow culture. This expertise was retained when the establishment became part of the Public Health Laboratory Service, and this tradition has been recognised by the award of substantial grants by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to fund research and development in fermentation technology, downstream processing and biosensors. In addition, the DTI has supported the establishment of a National Collection of Animal Cell Cultures, which was opened in July 1984 by the Government Chemist, Dr R. F. Coleman. The initial success of the collection has resulted in its becoming known as the ‘European Collection’ as from November 1985 and it now also gains financial support from the EEC under the Research Action Programme in Biotechnology.