Bioscience Superlab and Research Lab

New Development: Ultra-modern Labs

Opening in 2025, our state-of-the-art Bioscience Superlab and Research Lab will transform learning and research for students, staff, and researchers in fields such as Biomedical Science, Human Biology, Biology, Zoology, Forensic Science, and Environmental Science. These facilities will offer real-world, sector-relevant practical experiences in areas like haematology, immunology, histopathology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, cell and tissue culture, and microscopy.

The Research Lab is directly connected to the Bioscience Superlab, allowing the spaces to be used in tandem. Both labs will house cutting-edge technology that enhances learning and prepares students for their careers. These environments are designed to foster innovation and creativity, encouraging the exchange of ideas while supporting independent work, group collaboration and the simultaneous running of multiple experiments. Students, academics and researchers will benefit from increased opportunities for teamwork and the chance to conduct advanced research projects.

The new Bioscience Superlab and Research Lab expand upon our recent investment in the Facility of Omics Research in Metabolism (FORM) Laboratory, which opened in March 2023. Together, these facilities create a wealth of opportunities for students to become future-focused graduates, equipped with the skills needed to thrive in their fields.

The Bioscience Superlab

Our Bioscience Superlab is a large, fully-equipped, open lab space designed to facilitate both teaching and research simultaneously. Check out the video below for a sneak peek of this innovative space:

The Superlab will enable students to develop practical, employable skills throughout their studies such as critical analysis, teamwork, leadership and technical skills, as well as problem solving and time management. With access to top-tier equipment and a collaborative learning environment, students will connect across disciplines and deepen their understanding of a wide range of scientific fields. This unique space will significantly boost employability and career prospects for our graduates.

Additionally, the Superlab will support undergraduate and postgraduate research, offering opportunities for students to explore areas of personal interest through independent project work.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

“As an applied university, it is imperative that our students have the opportunity to gain practical skills through high quality learning and teaching in industry-standard, cutting edge facilities.

“The new Super Lab aligns with the University’s Strategic Framework by ensuring our students develop the skills employers require, thereby enhancing graduate employability and contributing to the economic growth of our region and the wider skills agenda. Biomedical Science is one of the University’s six key academic themes, so this funding will enable us to further develop and grow in this area.”

The Research Lab

The Research Lab is a state-of-the-art bio-safety Class II (BSL-II) facility that aligns with the University’s Biomedical and Clinical Science theme, driving world-class research to promote healthier living, improve rehabilitation, and tackle global health challenges such as cancer, diabetes, and dementia.

Co-located with the Bioscience Super Lab, the Research Lab provides an exceptional environment for master’s (MRes and MPhil) students, doctoral researchers, early-career researchers (ECRs), and academics to work with advanced equipment and technologies.

The space includes three main areas:

•    Research Lab: Equipped with cutting-edge tools to support innovative research
•    Laser Lab: Housing a confocal laser scanning microscope
•    Tissue Lab: A shared resource for establishing and maintaining cell cultures.

This dedicated facility is designed to elevate the quality of clinical work by minimising contamination risks and enabling impactful research. It supports the generation of high-quality pilot data, aiding successful grant applications and allowing the University to undertake a greater number of high-level projects.

Beyond supporting individual research projects, the Research Lab will play a vital role in advancing the University’s strategic goals. It will enhance Research Excellence Framework (REF) outcomes, improving league table positions and attracting QR funding. The facility will contribute to increasing postgraduate research (PGR) completions while fostering the development of early-career researchers within the Biomedical and Clinical Science theme. Additionally, it will strengthen the University’s capacity to engage in consultancy projects and forge strategic partnerships, while also providing significant value for undergraduate students, encouraging their progression to postgraduate studies.

Together with the Bioscience Super Lab, this facility with cultivate a thriving scientific community at the Kedleston Road campus, enabling collaboration and innovation that cements Derby’s reputation as a hub for impactful research and academic excellence.