Science Park Base for Infectious Disease Institute

The University of Liverpool has relocated over 50 researchers and part of its international centre of excellence in human and animal health to an 8,000sq ft laboratory and office facility at the Liverpool Science Park (LSP), as part of a £10 million investment.

Liverpool Science Park chief executive, Chris Musson, said: “Securing this commercial letting is an important milestone for Liverpool Science Park, as the co-location of university R&D facilities on science parks reflects global best practice. As the universities’ science park, we would hope in the future to secure further world leading R&D facilities on site to help drive forward the city’s knowledge economy.”

“The Institute brings together scientists, vets and medics and places Liverpool at the forefront of the 'one health' agenda” said Professor Jonathan Wastling, Head of the Institute’s Department of Infection Biology which is moving to LSP. “The quality of the space and facilties in LSP provide a superb environment for the type of interdiscplinary work that is essential for success in today’s increasingly competetive scientific environment. The Science Park’s proximity to and connections with commercial science and knowledge-based entities both at the park itself and with neighbouring universities, increase the opportunity for crossover work.”

Sir Howard Newby, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and Chair of the Liverpool Science Park Board, said: “Both Liverpool Science Park and the University play key roles in Liverpool’s commercial knowledge economy and this new partnership takes us a step closer to achieving the long term plan to make this area of the city recognised for its expertise and knowledge in the life science and technology arena.”

2012 also sees construction begin on LSP’s £8m ic3 building, which will deliver 42,000 sq ft of R&D offices and Containment Level Two laboratories.