The Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine will wind up its activities over the next two years, reports the Times Higher Education.

The UCL institution could not secure a renewal of its £8.8 million Wellcome Trust grant, which is due to expire later this year. The unit, which has existed since 1966, currently supports 29 staff and 54 students. Its most famous alumnus is probably Roy Porter, author of many books on the history of medicine including the barnstorming London: A Social History.

The announced closure comes at a time of deep agitation among London’s academics. Only today, UCL and Westminster universities announced strike action over potential staff cuts following a budget reduction.