History and achievements

History and achievements

The MRC supports medical research across the full spectrum of biological sciences. Founded in 1913 to tackle the public health scourge of tuberculosis, the MRC has since then funded research that has led to some of the most significant discoveries and achievements of 20th century medicine.

From work in 1916 showing that rickets is caused by vitamin D deficiency, to discoveries about the use of penicillin, the link between smoking and cancer, and use of aspirin and statins to protect against heart attacks, our researchers have been the driving force behind a stream of remarkable advances that have delivered health improvements to people all over the world.

1916: Rickets caused by lack of vitamin D

1933: Influenza is caused by a virus

1956: Smoking causes cancer

1973: Magnetic resonance imaging

1975: Monoclonal antibodies

1991: Folic acid supplements cut spina bifida risk

2001: Statins cut risk of strokes and heart attacks

2002: Magnesium sulphate halves the risk of eclampsia in pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia

2002: Chronic workplace stress can contribute to heart disease risk

Today research at MRC centres, universities and hospitals throughout the UK extends from the laboratory to the bedside and beyond and is building on past achievements to tackle the major health challenges of the 21st century.