University awarded £5.8m for new biomedical science super lab

Date posted: January 18, 2023

The University of Derby has been awarded £5.8 million from the Office for Students (OfS) to develop a new Biomedical Science Super Lab.

The lab, to be located at the University’s Kedleston Road site, is set to revolutionise the University’s student offer, creating an innovative, inspiring and interdisciplinary teaching facility focusing on core elements of Biomedical Science including haematology, immunology, histopathology, molecular biology, genetics and cell/tissue culture.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to have secured OfS capital funding for the University, especially as it highlights excellent cross-institutional working.

“As an applied university, it is imperative that our students have the opportunity to gain practical skills through high quality learning and teaching in industry-standard, cutting edge facilities.

“The new Super Lab aligns with the University’s Strategic Framework by ensuring our students develop the skills employers require, thereby enhancing graduate employability and contributing to the economic growth of our region and the wider skills agenda. Biomedical Science is one of the University’s six key academic themes, so this funding will enable us to further develop and grow in this area.”

The funding comes from the OfS, which has allocated £432 million in capital funding to support investment in new buildings, facilities and equipment for universities and colleges across England. Successful capital bids demonstrated value for money, effective project management and environmental sustainability.

Funding through the competitive bidding process has been provided to 100 universities, colleges and other higher education providers. Of these, 47 were awarded the maximum amount of £5.8 million per provider, with the University of Derby being one of them.

The new facility, which is anticipated to open by September 2025, builds on the University’s £1.75 million Facility for Omics Research in Metabolism (FORM) laboratory, which opened in March 2022 and focuses on diet and medication through the combination of biomedical and data science expertise.