In partnership with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the institution is operating the World Anti-Doping agency at the London 2012 Games, and in an unfortunate but almost inevitable consequence of the Games, King's has already caught out multiple athletes trying to obtain an unfair advantage.

Among those to fall foul of the Drug Control Centre prior to and during the opening weekend of competition is Albanian weightlifter Hysen Pulaku, who tested positive for banned steroid Stanozolol.

A clutch of track and field athletes have also been sent home for doping offences, including a strong medal hope in the shape of Morocco's Mariem Alaoui Selsouli, who was due to run in the women's 1,500m.

The link between King's College and pharmaceutical giant GSK has already inspired the 'Scientists in Sport' educational outreach programme, and both sides are determined that their partnership will protect the reputation of both these and future Olympic Games.

At the outset of the collaboration, King's College Professor David Cowan said: "I'm delighted that GSK has chosen to make this important contribution to our ongoing work at King's to help deter drugs 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."

Scientists working in the laboratory, situated just outside London, expect to analyse more than 6,000 urine and blood samples during the Games, from athletes across all sports and nations, including all medal winners.