Infection researchers move to science park
The University of Liverpool is relocating part of its Institute of Infection & Global Health to Liverpool Science Park as part of a £10m expansion of the veterinary department.
The move will see more than 50 researchers working in animal and human infectious disease occupy more than 8,000 sq ft of laboratories and offices in ic2, or Innovation Centre 2, the second LSP building on Brownlow Hill. The refurbishment project to accommodate the staff is expected to be completed in July.
Chris Musson, chief executive of LSP, 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 University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection & Global Health is an international centre of excellence dedicated to improving the health and well-being of humans and animals.
Prof Jonathan Wastling, head of the institute's department of infection biology, which is moving to LSP, said: "The Institute brings together scientists, vets, medics and places Liverpool at the forefront of the 'one health' agenda.
"The quality of the space and facilities in LSP provide a superb environment for the type of interdisciplinary work that is essential for success in today's increasingly competitive scientific environment.
"The Science Park's proximity to and connections with commercial science and knowledge-based entities both at the park itself and the neighbouring universities, increase the opportunity for crossover work."
Later this year LSP will begin construction of the £8m ic3 building, which will deliver 42,000 sq ft of R&D offices and containment level two laboratories. The third LSP building will sit above the car park next to ic1.
Liverpool Science Park was created as a special purpose vehicle in 2002 by Liverpool City Council, Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Liverpool and the North West Development Agency. LSP is a not for profit company limited by guarantee, with LCC, LJMU and UoL as its three shareholders.
Meanwhile, the University of Liverpool's veterinary science school now boasts a newly designed home in the Thomson Yates Building in Liverpool and a new pathology suite is being developed at the University's Leahurst campus in Wirral.
