An artist's impression shows how the new facility would look

The city's university, in partnership with NHS Tayside, intends to build a new Clinical Research Centre (CRC) attached to Ninewells Hospital.

It hopes to develop a clearer understanding of disease, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment.

A planning application detailing the project was lodged with Dundee City Council on Wednesday.

Subject to approval, the �12m three-storey centre will be purpose-built on the north eastern point of the Ninewells building, across from the multi-storey car park.

Focused on areas of national health priority, the centre will provide dedicated facilities to conduct patient-orientated research in a variety of ensuite bedrooms, small investigation rooms and open ward areas.

The clinical research staff in both the university and NHS will now have access to a state-of-the-art facility Alison Coughtrie CRC project head

The facility will enable a wide range of clinical testing and measurement in a professional, safe and friendly environment.

A spokesman for Dundee University said the CRC would function as a "Research Hotel", where researchers in experimental medicine could book beds or other facilities to conduct their patient-based projects.

The main entry floor of the building will house consulting rooms, a training facility for 60 people and administration staff.

Scanners floor

The upper floor will contain facilities for a range of clinical activities and testing including heart and lung function, endoscopy and biopsy.

The lower floor will house the new clinical imaging suite, where an MRI scanner and a PET scanner are planned.

This unit will be the focus of a new research direction for the university and a professor in Clinical Imaging is currently being sought as its head.

The centre is being touted as a world-class facility

Alison Coughtrie, head of the CRC project, said: "The clinical research staff in both the university and NHS will now have access to a state-of-the-art facility.

"The specialised nursing staff that will work within the CRC will ensure that patients and other volunteers receive the highest quality care in a pleasant environment.

"This is a very exciting development and we are looking forward to seeing this innovative building start to take shape."

Construction work is scheduled to start in September, with the building expected to be completed in late 2006. The first patients will start to be treated in early 2007.

Dundee already has a world-class reputation in biomedical research and the CRC will focus this expertise into clearer understanding of disease, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment for patients.