£9.5m life sciences centre opens in Inverness
UHI hope it will become a facility of "international significance"
A new Highland centre specialising in the growth of life sciences is now open.
The hub at Inverness campus, which cost £9.5 million, was officially opened by the Princess Royal during a ceremony today.
A collaboration between the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the facility aims to attract more life science companies to the region and encourage collaboration between academic researchers, industry and the health sector.
This in turn will support the development of new products, processes and services to improve healthcare.
In partnership with different organisations such as the National Treatment Centre, it's hoped hundreds of jobs could be created in the Highlands as a result of the life sciences hub.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: "It has been a privilege to open our new shared Life Sciences Innovation Centre today.
"This event marks the beginning of another ambitious venture with HIE and the start of a new era for life sciences across our operating area. In partnership with HIE, we will be working to establish this new centre as a facility of international significance.
"It will strengthen partnerships with industry and the NHS to develop technologies which will have a positive and possibly life-changing impact on our communities and wider society.
"The new centre will allow us to increase our existing research in fields such as medical nanotechnology and active health and will help us to provide even greater support to the life sciences and health sectors. It represents a significant investment in the future and will generate economic benefits for our communities through innovation, commercialisation, company and job creation and by attracting and retaining talent."
Stuart Black, HIE's Chief Executive, said: "The Life Sciences Innovation Centre will support commercial enterprises, including new business start-ups and organisations looking to establish a presence in the Highlands and Islands.
"The partnership approach and alignment with the National Treatment Centre - Highland is very much in keeping with the collaborative ethos of Inverness Campus. The benefits will extend across the region and support the continued growth of the life sciences sector. All of this will help to attract and retain talent for the region.
"We are delighted to see the official opening of the building and to welcome our first tenants."
UK Government Minister Felicity Buchan said: "The expansion of Inverness Campus is a huge boost for the life sciences sector, helping to attract investment to the area and create highly skilled local jobs in research and technology.
"The opening of the new Life Sciences Innovation Centre, supported with £9 million from the UK Government through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, shows what is possible when we come together with the Scottish Government, local authorities and partners to deliver a shared vision for people in Scotland.
"This forms part of significant investment from the UK Government to level up Scotland and grow the Scottish economy. This includes over £1.5 billion for City and Growth Deals in Scotland and millions more in levelling up funding to transform communities in Inverness and across the UK."
Scottish Government Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead said: "The opening of the new Life Sciences Innovation Centre represents a new and exciting development for this key sector of the Highlands and Islands economy.
"It is great to see £4.8 million of funding from Highland and Islands Enterprise, which includes £1.2 million from the European Regional Development Fund, supporting such an inspiring project, and I welcome the spirit of collaboration between all partners involved in getting to this stage.
"The centre's role as a significant driver for future growth in this area is particularly valuable, and the new inward investment and jobs it generates will deliver a significant boost to the local economy and community.
"I look forward to seeing the research, innovation and opportunities that will come from the centre."