Annual Report 2008 - 2009 - Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD
“LSTM is at the hub of an
expanding portfolio of activities
to bring the benefits of innovative
research to those who are
grappling with the ravages of
tropical diseases around the world.”
Last year I wrote in the middle of the global
financial crisis about the contrast between the
developed world, caught in a spiral of greed
and fear, with the challenges facing those who
are exposed to tropical diseases. One year later
it is hard to be entirely optimistic. Certainly
we are beginning to climb out of the hole
which we dug for ourselves – but at the cost
of millions of unemployed and a reduction in
the value of funds underpinning such things as
research into combating tropical diseases.
The work of Liverpool School of Tropical
Medicine (LSTM) remains as vital and urgent
as ever. It is not threatened financially in the
short term, as new funding streams continue
to be attracted by the talented individuals led
by the Director, Professor Janet Hemingway.
We have tested LSTM’s financial resilience
into the longer term and are confident that
the organisation continues to be prudently
managed. The modest but encouraging
surplus this year should be seen in the context
of a continued strengthening of the balance
sheet and a healthy cash flow. Moreover the
relationship with Liverpool University is being
clarified and reinforced. At the same time
funding from the Higher Education Funding
Council for England (HEFCE) has seen a
substantial increase, as a result of a successful
Research Assessment Exercise and mirrors
growth from third party donors. We therefore
face the future with continuing confidence.
This year marks the retirement of our President,
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, after a tenure of some
six years. Fortunately his invaluable support
will not be lost to us, as he remains Chairman
of the Board of the Innovative Vector Control
Consortium (IVCC). This successful Product
Development Partnership, hosted by LSTM,
is in the process of seeking re-financing from
various donors, principally The Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation. We are delighted that Sir
Richard Evans, a strong advocate of LSTM for
many years, has agreed to succeed Sir Mark as
President.
With the new Centre for Tropical and
Infectious Diseases (CTID) in Liverpool now
complete, and refurbishment of our existing
facilities proceeding, LSTM is at the hub of an
expanding portfolio of activities to bring the
benefits of innovative research to those who
are grappling with the ravages of tropical
diseases around the world. Two things stand
out to me from last year’s story of success:
firstly, LSTM practically never undertakes
activity on its own: it is virtually always working
in partnership with donors, host governments,
other research establishments and delivery
agents on the ground. This requires a
particularly co-operative type of working
which is not always easy to practise. Secondly,
our geographic field of activity is rapidly
expanding. While Africa remains in aggregate
the main focus, new ventures are being
addressed in Saudi Arabia, Syria, China, India
and indeed Libya. Sadly in one sense, there
seems no limit to demand on our resources.
In addition to IVCC, two other subsidiaries are
making their contribution to the work of LSTM.
The consultancy arm, Liverpool Associates
in Tropical Health (LATH), is undergoing
considerable reshaping as it faces changing
market conditions and increased competition.
Its adoption of a new identity and logo is
symbolic of its decision to work even more
closely with LSTM, to share expertise and to
bring to market many of the unique skills of
our researchers. Our travel clinic business, Well
Travelled Clinics, have opened new premises in
Chester and relocated to expanded premises
opposite CTID.
This report can barely do justice to the
remarkable work of all who are associated with
the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine – its
staff, donors, collaborators, officers and friends.
But I hope you will find within it something of
the character of this vibrant institution.
James Ross
LSTM ANNUAL REPORT 3