Welcome to the University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories (MRL), part of the Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science (IMS). The MRL is a cross-departmental institute within the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, that is housed in the purpose-built Institute of Metabolic Sciences on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (Addenbrooke's Hospital site).
The mission of the MRL is to undertake basic and translational research relevant to the understanding, prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity and other related endocrine and metabolic disorders. Investigators retain a departmental affiliation within the University. At present MRL investigators include members of the departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Neurosciences, and Paediatrics. The current director is Stephen O'Rahilly.
There are close links with other elements of the IMS (MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic, and the Weston Centre for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes and Endocrinology) as well as with other investigators in the University of Cambridge, local MRC units and the Sanger Institute. The MRL also hosts the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, which developed from the MRC Centre for Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases, one of the six MRC Centres for Translational Medicine established in 2007.
Recent News
The MRL and MDU at the Cambridge Science Festival
Researchers from the MRL have discovered a genetic cause of severe obesity which, although relatively rare, demonstrates for the first time that genes can reduce basal metabolic rate - how the body burns calories
Congratulations to Dr Ak Reddy on winning the 2013 Foulkes Foundation Medal
The medal is awarded by the Academy of Medical Sciences to recognise outstanding early career biomedical researchers
Congratulations to Rae Larder on being awarded an Early Career Grant from the Society for Endocrinology
Genetic mutation causes obesity
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a genetic cause of severe obesity which, although rare, raises new questions about weight gain and energy use.
Honour for MRL Director
Professor Sir Stephen O'Rahilly has been appointed a Knight Bachelor in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List
MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit Open Day, Saturday 22nd June, 1-4pm
Hear Professor Stephen O'Rahilly describe the main influences that have shaped his career in the Journal of Clinical Investigation series "Conversations with Giants in Medicine"
MRC and Wellcome Trust invest £24m in Cambridge obesity institute
Congratulations to Sadaf Farooqi and David Ron on their election as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences
Identifying genes associated with childhood obesity