RSC launches campaign for more chem labs + the latest construction projects
THE ROYAL Society of Chemistry (RSC) is calling on government to address what it describes as an ongoing lack of access to suitable lab facilities in the UK.
According to the RSC, demand for UK lab space still massively outstrips supply, with developers reluctant to commit to the extra investment and infrastructure that chemistry facilities require. The RSC’s ‘Unlocking Innovation report’ suggests the lack of investment is linked to a lack of value case for deep tech lab developments. The lack of such a case is attributed to the specific lab facilities required differing widely between research areas and little having been done to assess the needs of the sector as a whole. This is compounded by a complex planning environment; chemistry specific requirements that aren’t taken into account during property development; strategic narratives that overlook deep tech chemistry technologies; and a postcode lottery that disadvantages locations outside Oxford, Cambridge and London.
Aurora Antemir, Senior Manager, Enterprise Impact Programmes at the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: "Deep tech chemistry ventures are at the cutting edge of research and innovation. From reducing food waste to improving medical technologies, these ventures have the potential to solve many of the world’s most pressing problems. We want to help take these technologies to the next level, by ensuring that suitable lab space is available to all. With no labs, there’s no technology research, and no impact."
The Society is launching a new initiative – More ChemLabs – to catalyse change in the system affecting access to chemistry labs. This will entail bringing together passionate, connected people from across sectors, including the chemical sciences, property development, investment, government, and advocacy, to build a supportive landscape, make the case for more chemistry labs, and unlock investment into spaces that work.
To view the full report or offer support, click here.
Brazil builds Latin America’s first level 4 biosafety lab
BRAZIL IS building Latin America’s first biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) laboratory at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) in Campinas. The Orion facility will focus on studying the world’s deadliest pathogens, crucial for responding to the rising threat of infectious diseases worsened by climate change and deforestation in the Amazon.
The government has allocated approximately $180 million for this facility, which is expected to be fully functional by 2028. Orion will integrate with a synchrotron to enable advanced imaging and analysis, improving researchers' capacity to study how pathogens infect human cells.
India to upgrade its forensic labs
NEW CRIMINAL laws requiring forensic examinations in cases where the penalty would be more than seven years imprisonment have prompted the Indian government to commit the equivalent of more than £225 million to upgrading its forensic laboratories.
The funding will support the construction of new Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL) facilities nationwide and improve infrastructure at the National Forensic Sciences University in Delhi. The project is scheduled for implementation from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
Sheffield to get new teaching labs
THE UNIVERSITY of Sheffield has applied for planning permission for a new Central Teaching Laboratories (CTL) facility to enhance its science education capabilities. The proposed building will span approximately 85,000 square feet across four floors, with a rooftop for equipment.
It will include advanced laboratories, such as two 300-person labs, a fume cupboard lab, an anatomy lab, and a tissue culture lab, accommodating 1,188 people—1,106 students and 82 staff.
Columbia University to spend $400 Million on its Institute for Basic Biomedical Science
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY has received a gift of $400 million which will be spent developing its Roy and Diana Vagelos Institute for Basic Biomedical Science. The new facility, spanning over 55,000 square feet, will feature cutting-edge, sustainable lab space.
The aim is to integrate research across Columbia’s basic science and clinical departments, fostering collaboration in fields like cell engineering and gene therapy for cancer and neurological disorders, with the potential to revolutionise medical care.
US life sciences sector stabilizes amid market shifts
THE US life sciences industry is stabilizing and returning to steady growth after recent fluctuations says Nick Cassaro, VP of life science development at New York investment firm BGO. There has been a return to venture capital interest in companies with strong scientific foundations. Large pharmaceutical firms are also acquiring smaller companies to secure prime locations with an emphasis on sustainable sites says Salil Payappilly of BioMed Realty.
A notable example is the Gateway of Pacific in South San Francisco, home to over 200 life science companies. This development benefits from a robust venture capital network and a skilled workforce, making it a key hub for growth and its sustainable buildings align with environmental goals.
Despite a supply-demand imbalance, venture capital is fuelling activity. Ken Richter of Project Management Advisors Inc. points out that while interest levels are below the peaks of 2020-2021, increasing venture funding provides tenants opportunities to secure high-quality properties at competitive rates.
Daniel Maldonado of Unispace believes sustained venture capital activity could stimulate leasing and reduce oversupply in life science real estate. While 2024 may not match the rapid growth of 2021, the outlook for the sector remains positive, positioning it for gradual recovery and future growth.