A short general history of the MRC

Structural levels of research
Of several forms of research, the MRC regarded short-term research as its "major obligation and (was) of the opinion that this will be the most useful way of encouraging research". Grants for short-term research projects could be made for up to three years, although each project was to be reviewed annually.

As a form of long-term research, the establishment of research units depended upon "the existence of a problem of public concern requiring research" as well as upon "the existence of an outstanding man for whom the facilities requested may be regarded as essential for the development of his ideas." (MRC Annual Report 1969/70). A unit was to be "constructed round its director", and was set up for an initial period of seven years, although subsequent review of its progress might result in an extension of the period or in disbandment. It seems that the 'outstanding man' and the 'director' would automatically be white men. Where possible, units were to be housed "within the existing facilities of a particular institution".

Research groups were to "assist in the development of research programmes in an Institution" under several circumstances:

• where a particular field of research needed to be accelerated;
• where the emergence of a 'new subject' had not yet proved suitable for inclusion in the
  institute's own programme; and,
• where there appeared to be insufficient support for the development of research into a particular subject.

Research groups, most of which would operate within a hospital (and would, in time, be taken over by the hospital as established services), were to be funded for up to five years. As with research units, the establishment of a research group depended on the "merits of the research programme proposed and the presence of an outstanding man to direct it".

Research institutes were to carry out work of a 'permanent nature' and 'of national importance'. Unlike other levels of research, institutes were entirely under the supervision and direction of the MRC. They would be housed, where possible, in specifically designed premises and would be wholly staffed by MRC personnel. The only institute during the first year of the MRC's existence was the National Institute for Nutritional Diseases. In addition, there were 26 research units and groups at hospitals or universities throughout the country, and almost 100 'short-term workers' were engaged on other medical or related research. It was the intention to establish more institutes, as well as a research group for organ transplantation.