University of Gloucestershire opens new £1.3 million Biosciences facility
The major investment will boost research of human diseases and battle shortages of biomedical scientists
A new £1.3 million Biosciences facility has been officially opened at the University of Gloucestershire.
The cutting-edge laboratory is based at the School of Natural and Social Sciences at the University’s Francis Close Hall campus in Cheltenham.
The facility is set to enable vital research into human diseases and illnesses, as well as address the national and regional shortage of registered biomedical scientists.
Project Lead, Professor Phil Toms, said: "This new facility represents a major investment by the University in support of local, regional and national priorities, contributing to the graduate workforce in the NHS and industry that is so central to the nation’s wellbeing and success as a world leader in Bioscience."
The University’s Bioscience courses have been ranked 1st nationally for student experience by the Guardian and The Times University League Tables 2022.
Researchers and students will have access to the latest technologies in biomedical science supporting the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The facility will also enhance the University's research in Life Sciences and Allied Health, in areas such as tumour-immune system interactions and treatments of Alzheimer's.
Professor Toms explained: "The facility includes the latest technologies in flow cytometry, microplate analysis, PCR tests, cold storage, incubation, microscopy and imaging. It incorporates a range of features to comply with Category 2 lab work, enabling work across a range of pathogens associated with human diseases.
“Our investment in space, equipment and visualisation technologies represent a step-change in learning for our Bioscience students, focusing less on theory through lectures and more on learner development through practice."
The investment for the new Biosciences facility happened in partnership with the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Chief Executive, Deborah Lee, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire to develop the next generation of scientists who are pivotal to our ability to support the early adoption of new technologies and techniques that will help the NHS meet the challenges of the future.
“Biomedical Scientists are involved in 80% of the diagnostic tests performed at our Trust and as such are a vital part of our hospital workforce.”
Benefits of the new facility also include a bursary to support those on placement in NHS training laboratories.
They will also be granted personal and unlimited electronic access to the Fundamentals of Biomedical Science book series.