Cutting-edge science for businesses

BUSINESSES will be offered access to cutting-edge science and technology at a new centre opening at the STFC Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington.
The venue, part of the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, will offer UK based businesses flexible and affordable access to state-of-the-art scientific equipment and laboratory space for high-tech research and development work.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) new Innovations Technology Access Centres, offer businesses access to more than £3 million of cutting-edge equipment in fully-equipped biological, imaging, materials and physical science laboratories.
The laboratories provide a range of flexible and purpose-built research accommodation from “lock and leave” exclusive use laboratories to multi-user laboratories available on an hourly basis.
Businesses will also have the opportunity to work alongside STFC’s own highly skilled scientists and other leading academic institutions.
The centre complements the facilities at nearby Daresbury Innovation Centre, which is already home to more than 90 high-tech small businesses employing more than 300 people.
Professor Keith Mason, STFC’s chief executive, said: “In the current economic climate it can be difficult for innovative businesses to access affordable, ready to use, high specification laboratory space to carry out the much-needed research and development to make them competitive.
“The access centres have been made possible by re-using the high-end equipment that once formed part of Daresbury’s Synchrotron Radiation Source. I am delighted that that we are able to keep this equipment in the North West and create a facility that will stimulate the local economy.”
Pictured…the STFC Daresbury Laboratory.