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A UK university has opened a new government-funded laboratory to help train the next generation of biomedical scientists to work in the NHS and life sciences sector.<\/p>\n
The \u00a32.5 million facility at the University of Essex, which includes a dedicated cancer diagnostics laboratory, was funded by the Office for Students.<\/p>\n
The investment aims to strengthen training in subjects critical to the UK\u2019s future workforce.<\/p>\n
The Bioscience Skills Training and Research Laboratory (BioSTAR-Lab) aims to give students hands-on experience with equipment and techniques used in modern healthcare and life sciences laboratories.<\/p>\n
Students studying biomedical science, biotechnology, cancer biology and related degrees will use the laboratories to carry out their research projects.<\/p>\n
The facility also includes specialist microbiology and molecular biology laboratories where students will analyse tissue samples, study infectious diseases and use molecular techniques.<\/p>\n
Professor Terry McGenity, head of the School of Life Sciences, said: \u201cHere at Essex, we are dedicated to providing a rounded education that is inspired by our world-leading research, which equips our students with the understanding, skills and experience they need to launch their careers in nationally important sectors.<\/p>\n
\u201cHands-on, lab-based research projects provide a transformative experience for our final-year undergraduates and masters students.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey allow all our students to become part of the research process by carrying out their project alongside experts, where they apply what they\u2019ve learned, and develop critical understanding of a particular area, as well as new technical and analytical skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new facility will place us at the forefront of training students to be skilled and versatile critical thinkers, who will be ready to work in the NHS and life-sciences sectors.\u201d<\/p>\n
The university said the investment comes at a time of growing demand for skilled life scientists, with more than 300,000 people already employed in the sector in the UK.<\/p>\n
The lab\u2019s opening comes as the University of Essex launches its first undergraduate biotechnology degree, reflecting growing demand for graduates in a sector that develops vaccines, medicines and diagnostic technologies.<\/p>\n
Professor Silke Paulmann, executive dean of the Faculty of Science and Health, said the lab \u201cbrings together education, research and real-world application, creating opportunities for students to develop the expertise that will drive future advances in diagnostics, treatments and public health\u201d.<\/p>\n