People will have their genetic profile mapped as part of the project

The Peninsula Medical School is taking part in the UK Biobank project, which will run for the next 15 years and aims to look at the causes of various illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.

The aim of the research is to find out if lifestyles or family gene inheritance determines what disease may be contracted by people.

The results could be used to improve health promotion, identify new diseases and see whether changes in behaviour make a difference to health.

It is an important challenge for us Professor John Campbell, Peninsula Medical School

The Biobank project involves the recruitment of 500,000 individuals aged 45-69 from across the UK. The Peninsula Medical School hopes to get 20,000 in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

Recruited subjects will have their genetic profile mapped as part of the project and a review of their medical history undertaken.

Scientists will then follow their health over 10 to 15 years.

The co-ordinator of the project at the medical school, Professor John Campbell, said: "It is an important challenge for us within the medical school to be able to deliver our end of this.

"We're confident that with the participation of the community, and the wider community of primary care and general practice in Cornwall and Devon, that we can do that."