Cancer research in Glasgow was worth more than half a billion pounds to the UK economy in 2021 to 22, according to a new report.

The study focuses on research activities in the University of Glasgow School of Cancer Sciences and the CRUK Scotland Institute.

It estimates that of the £503 million of economic impact cancer sciences in Glasgow generated, £407m (81 per cent) of the impact came from their combined research ventures, £77 million (15 per cent) was derived from operational and capital expenditure, and £19 million (4 per cent) originated from teachings and learning activities.

The report also showed that for each £1 million of research income received, the collective research prowess of these two institutions generated a total of £10.2m in economic impact across the UK.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the NHS, industry, patient groups, government and funders.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: "This report demonstrates the huge benefits our ground-breaking cancer research brings, not only to patients in the West of Scotland, but to the region’s economy and to Scotland more broadly.

"While this report rightly recognises the economic impact of our cancer research, as a University we are also committed to growing Glasgow City Region’s wider life sciences cluster through our development of the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District."

The report doesn't account for the £123m seven-year investment by Cancer Research UK for the CRUK Scotland Institute, announced in September 2023.

Neil Gray, cabinet secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, said: "We commend the significant findings outlined in the report.

"The estimated £503 million contribution to the UK economy in 2021-22 underscores the invaluable role of patient-centred cancer research in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

"This report not only highlights the economic impact but also underscores our collective commitment to advancing cancer research and addressing health disparities.

“The project’s ‘triple helix’ approach is a shining example of how collaboration between the NHS/Scottish Government, academia and industry can lead to positive outcomes."

Cancer rates in Scotland, particularly in Glasgow and Greater Glasgow, are higher than in the rest of the UK, with more than 700 cases per 100,000 residents.

Professor Iain McInnes, vice-principal and head of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow, said: “The University of Glasgow is dedicated to better understanding cancer as well as finding new, and more effective ways to treat the disease through our world-changing research."