Two leading academic institutions have agreed deals for over 23,000 sq ft at Sciontec-owned Liverpool Science Park (LSP).
Both Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool have renewed their leases with Sciontec Developments, extending their presence within Liverpool Science Park’s innovation centres.
The University of Liverpool has agreed a ten year deal, for circa 11,000 sq ft, to house research teams from their Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences. Occupying several Containment Level Two research laboratories within iC2 at LSP, 50+ researchers will integrate cutting-edge research in infectious diseases, veterinary science, ecology and evolution to benefit people, animals and ecosystems, nationally and globally.
Professor Matthew Baylis, Executive Dean of the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences at the University of Liverpool, said: “The interdisciplinary work undertaken within our Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences at LSP addresses major societal challenges, alongside research-led teaching for the next generation of medical and veterinary clinical practitioners.
“Continuing to operate from Liverpool Science Park, with its high specification laboratories and 24/7 access, provides us with the operational flexibility we need to undertake world leading research into new diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. This was evident throughout the pandemic, and will continue to be across the next decade and beyond.”
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has agreed a five year deal to remain within their 12,000 sq ft workspace at iC2 in LSP, from which their Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) operates.
The Astrophysics Research Institute at LJMU is a world-leader in high performance computing, time domain astronomy and stellar populations, whose team operate the world’s largest robotic telescope. Since 2013, the department has been located in Liverpool Science Park and its 100+ staff and students benefit from the close connections and collaboration opportunities with big industry, SMEs and the general public.
Professor Ian McCarthy, Interim Head of Institute, ARI, at Liverpool John Moores University, said: “Renewing our lease at LSP will enable us to continue inspiring the next generation of astrophysicists, engineers and scientists, along with changing peoples’ perceptions of STEM subjects in general.
“Through our base at LSP, we have established good links with a range of industry associates and look forward to exploring new collaborative projects with local communities in the coming years.”
Liverpool Science Park is located within the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) innovation district, which is home to some of the world’s most influential players in science, health, technology, education, music and the creative and performing arts.
Leanne Katsande (pictured), head of commercial at Sciontec, said: “Liverpool John Moores University and The University of Liverpool and are not only partners in Sciontec, but are also significant customers within our innovation centres, who share our values of bringing together like-minded businesses, academics, clinicians and scientists for the greater good.
“The co-location of their R&D facilities at Liverpool Science Park reflects global best practice and we are delighted that they are both committed to basing their world leading research departments here.”