The College has formed an alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to enable its world-renowned Drug Control Centre to operate the laboratory during the Games.

Professor David Cowan, Head of the Department of Forensic Science and Drug Monitoring and Director of the Drug Control Centre, will lead the partnership between GSK and King’s.

Cowan played a key role in the successful 2012 Olympic bid and has been involved in the science of anti-doping across four Winter Olympic Games, two Summer Olympic Games and several Commonwealth Games.

The Drug Control Centre has a track record in anti-doping control, analysing samples collected from athletes competing in major sporting events and training worldwide. Working with UK Sport to implement the UK’s anti-doping policy in sport, the Centre carried out more than 8,000 tests across over 70 sports last year.

Announcing GSK as the latest sponsor, London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said: "Doping control is a requirement of any Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. We have taken a partnership approach to delivering it for London 2012 and I’m thrilled that GlaxoSmithKline is on board. Its involvement, working with the King’s College London experts will see world class facilities available for an independently run anti-doping operation throughout the Games."

Andrew Witty, CEO of GSK, said: “I'm delighted we've put this alliance with King’s College London together to ensure that excellent science can play a key role in ensuring the Games are conducted to the highest ethical standards and that athletes can lead healthier lives."

Professor David Cowan added: “I’m delighted that GSK has chosen to make this important contribution to our ongoing work at King's to help deter drug cheats from coming to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With this significant partner we have the capacity to be able to help protect the health of the athlete and the integrity of the Games.”

A short video about the partnership can be viewed by clicking here.