Computer skills are used in the research

The Scottish Bioinformatics Research Network (SBRN) has been allocated �2.4m over the next four years.

It will use the money to provide the infrastructure to improve research into human and agricultural disease.

Bioinformatics brings together biology, computing, mathematics and statistics skills to analyse research data.

Modern biological research generates large amounts of information which needs to be analysed to help develop treatments for common diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and crop and animal diseases.

The whole life sciences industry benefits from the sharing of inter-disciplinary expertise Janet Brown Scottish Enterprise

The SBRN is a consortium of Scottish universities and research institutes led by Dundee University.

The funding award was made by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC), the Scottish Executive's environment and rural affairs department and Scottish Enterprise.

Mr Wallace said: "This is an exciting project in which we are investing a significant amount of money.

"This work could have far-reaching benefits for human health and agriculture in the years ahead.

"By working together, I am sure that Scotland's universities and research institutes can lead the world in this field."

Area of growth

SHEFC chief executive Roger McClure said: "By providing this funding we aim to help the network build on the country's existing bioinformatics research strengths and become a world-leader in this area of research."

Janet Brown of Scottish Enterprise said: "The Scottish life sciences sector is an exciting area of growth and funding like this, which will be used to strengthen the existing infrastructure, can have a significant multiplier effect.

"By sharing expertise, Scottish organisations will be able to capitalise more effectively on the joint creativity of our scientists, statisticians and IT professionals.

"The whole life sciences industry benefits from the sharing of inter-disciplinary expertise."