To mark the Centenary year of the Medical Research Council, we surveyed a range of people in the public eye – scientists and non-scientists alike – and asked two important questions:

What medical advance from the past 100 years has had the greatest impact? What do you think will be the most important medical discovery in the next 100 years?

Take a look at their responses and take part in the poll yourself

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During 2013 we’ll be celebrating a hundred years of life-changing discoveries and taking time to reflect on our many achievements in medical research, acknowledging those who have supported us along the way and looking forward to what medical research will deliver in the future.

MRC-funded research continues to have a huge impact on both health in the UK and worldwide as well as our economy and society. Throughout 2013 we’ll be running a series of exciting activities and events to showcase our research successes and collaborations. You can experience life in a working laboratory, take part in experiments online, explore how past MRC discoveries have changed the way we live today, and most importantly, meet the scientists who make it all happen.