Medical Research Council chief Colin Blakemore is stepping down at a time when the UK agency is facing major reforms.

Blakemore said that he decided to leave after his current term expires in September, but his decision has nothing to do with the MRC's upcoming changes -- which include the UK government's decision to reform medical research funding, creating an umbrella structure to oversee both the MRC and research within the National Health Service.

For more in-depth coverage, refer to The Scientist daily news.

Editor's note (posted 12 PM EST March 8): This blog has been updated from its original version.