Both of the main universities in Liverpool agree deals with Sciontec for more than 23,000 sq ft of space at Liverpool Science Park. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and the University of Liverpool have renewed their leases at Liverpool Science Park (LSP) in deals totalling more than 23,000 sq ft.
LSP owner Sciontec says LJMU has agreed a five-year deal to remain within their 12,000 sq ft workspace at iC2. The university’s Astrophysics Research Institute operates from space.
And the University of Liverpool has agreed a 10-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, more than 50 researchers integrate research in infectious diseases, veterinary science, ecology and evolution to benefit people, animals and ecosystems.
Professor Matthew Baylis, executive dean of the institute, said: “The interdisciplinary work undertaken addresses major societal challenges, alongside research-led teaching for the next generation of medical and veterinary clinical practitioners.
“Continuing to operate from LSP, 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.”
LJMU’s Astrophysics Research Institute is a world-leader in high performance computing, time domain astronomy and stellar populations. Its team operates the world’s largest robotic telescope.
Since 2013, the department has been located in LSP and its 100-plus 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 LJMU, added: “Renewing our lease at LSP will enable us to continue inspiring the next generation of astrophysicists, engineers and scientists.
“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 and is in the shadow of the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral.
Leanne Katsande, head of commercial at Sciontec, also said: “LJMU and The University of Liverpool are not only partners in Sciontec, but are also significant customers within our innovation centres.
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“The co-location of their R&D facilities at LSP reflects global best practice and we are delighted that they are both committed to basing their world leading research departments here.”
Sciontec is jointly owned by Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, and Bruntwood SciTech.