Scientists in Scotland are set to receive a major cash boost thanks to a £16m investment from Cancer Research UK

Scientists in Scotland are set to receive a major cash boost thanks to £16m of investment from Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

The charity plans to give £8m each over the next five years to its research centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow as part of a major funding drive.

In total, £190m will be divided between 13 CRUK facilities over the next five years.

The Edinburgh centre conducts specialised research into brain tumours, while the Glasgow centre is focused on discovering new treatments for pancreatic cancer patients.

CRUK said a key part of the funding will involve training the next generation of cancer researchers, including 30 PhD students across both cities.

The award is on top of nearly £29m invested by the charity last year on a range of research projects in Scotland­­.

Professor Margaret Frame, science director at the CRUK Edinburgh Centre, said: "From research into how brain tumours develop and grow, to identifying genetic and environmental markers that could help diagnose bowel cancer sooner, Edinburgh is home to world-class cancer research.

"This award represents a critical investment in the research infrastructure at Edinburgh, equipping us with the key laboratory and clinical tools needed to advance the understanding and treatment of cancer for the benefit of people in Scotland and beyond."

Professor Owen Sansom, interim director at the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute in Glasgow, said: "This investment is fantastic news for cancer research in Glasgow. The city is home to a thriving community of world-class cancer scientists and doctors, who are working to reduce the devastating impact of this disease, not only locally, but around the world.

"This award means we will be able to further develop our work in translational research – getting cutting edge discoveries from the laboratory to patients and learning as much as possible from patients to initiate new research."

Victoria Steven, CRUK spokesperson for Scotland, said the award was in recognition of the high quality research taking place at both centres.

She added: "One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives – so it's reassuring to know that, thanks to our supporters, Cancer Research UK is able to fund some of the best and most promising research here, in Scotland, to help more people survive."