Cole-Hamilton speaks about opportunities for Scotland ahead of neonatal science lab visit

Speaking ahead of a visit to the Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today said that he wants to explore how Scotland can use advances in science, technology and medical research to ensure that children get the best possible start in life.

The Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh studies brain development and preterm birth. The lab's goal is to improve outcomes for babies born early. The research laboratory is named after the daughter of Sarah and Gordon Brown.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“Before I was elected, for almost two decades I was a youth worker. Knowing that there were children out there facing unbelievably tough circumstances kept me up at night then and it still does now.

“That’s part of the reason why I fought so hard to get new funding and facilities for babies born addicted to drugs and their mothers included in the Scottish Government’s budget. We won that battle but there is so much more still to do if we are to make Scotland the best place in the world for everyone to grow up.

“Scotland is packed with people doing fascinating and world leading research like the Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh. However, the government is in danger of sleepwalking into a disaster in our university sector. If they do not act fast, jobs will be lost.

“I want Scotland to use work like this and the advances in science, technology and medical research that it can bring to ensure that children get the best possible start in life.

“I am looking forward to a fascinating visit.”