In a new collaboration the University of Liverpool is joining the Cheshire Science Corridor which offers access to almost 1,500 businesses in tech and life sciences. Tony McDonough reports
A new collaboration will see the University of Liverpool (UoL) join the Cheshire Science Corridor which offers access to almost 1,500 life science and technology businesses.
Earlier this year LBN reported that Chester Zoo had joined the corridor forging relationships with public and private sector partners.
They are using the combined strengths in human and animal life sciences to enhance research in areas ranging from conservation to zoonotic diseases that can cross over into human populations.
Now the UoL is also joining, saying it will allow it to work with businesses and enhance the pioneering animal life sciences work based at its Leahurst Campus in Neston. The campus is in Cheshire but is located on the Wirral peninsula.
As well as at its Liverpool and Leahurst campuses, the university also operates at sites such as Sci-Tech Daresbury and is keen to use its membership of the Cheshire Science Corridor to link research expertise across the region and work with its partners.
Collaborations already underway include the university, Cheshire and Warrington, Local Enterprise Partnership and Chester Zoo utilising their collective expertise to create a regional cluster in animal health sciences.
Professor Matthew Baylis, executive dean of the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences at the UoL, said: “Our inclusion is testament to the contribution we make to the health and life sciences sector in the county.
“The University of Liverpool’s aim is to educate well-rounded, enquiring global citizens who connect and engage with the grand challenges of the age.
“The School of Veterinary Sciences boasts world class academics, clinical facilities and research that enrich the learning environment.
“Being part of this partnership gives us the opportunity to increase impact with partners and businesses and further enhance the work we do and our vision for the Leahurst site.”
The university’s Leahurst Campus, close to the Wirral Way path, is home to the School of Veterinary Science which has facilities for teaching up to 400 fourth and final year veterinary students.
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It is also a research base for the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences in areas such as zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to people, insect-borne diseases, food security, animal behaviour, antimicrobial resistance, farm animal health and welfare, and equine and small animal medicine.
Clare Hayward, chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, added: “The University of Liverpool is an important addition not only in terms of its cutting-edge research but its ability to engage with and support industry to innovate and strengthen our animal life sciences cluster.”