The National Measurement Laboratory (NML) at LGC has launched the Northern Cell Metrology Hub, a new centre of innovation for clinical diagnostics and medical technology, at the University of Leeds’ innovation community, Nexus.

The first step in a partnership between the University of Leeds and the NML, the laboratory was launched on Friday, 31 March 2023 at a special event hosted Nexus, which features talks from Professors Julian Braybrook and Nick Plant, as well as a visit from the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin.

Professor Julian Braybrook, UK Government Chemist and Director of Science & Partnerships of National Laboratories, LGC said: “Cells provide the structure and function for all living things. However, they are particularly complex to characterize robustly. Whilst the partnership coming together through this Hub represents significant progress in our collaboration, I most look forward to our working together to develop new internationally leading approaches that support the greater understanding of biological measurement.”

The hub, which represents a new centre for the NML’s existing cell metrology capabilities in the UK, will support health and life science industries achieve safe, reliable and productive solutions through innovative technology and will focus on the standardisation of cell measurements, using flow cytometry and bio-imaging techniques, for analysis of single cells.

Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “This partnership is the start of an exciting long-term collaboration between the University of Leeds, Nexus and the NML, further developing our reputation as a national hub for medical technology innovation. We will be working closely with the NML, sharing vital knowledge and equipment through our Cellular Biology specialists at the University’s Astbury Centre.”

Dr Martin Stow, Chair and Director at Nexus, added: “This is yet another huge accolade for Leeds City Region as a centre of excellence and innovation in healthcare and life sciences. As part of the Leeds Innovation Arc – the innovation neighbourhoods formed around our universities and the proposed new adult and children’s hospitals in the city – the new hub confirms Leeds’ status as a welcoming and thriving location for businesses and organisations which have a positive impact on people’s health and society’s wellbeing.”

In addition to the University as partner, the new lab has local support from the Yorkshire & Humberside Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) and Leeds NHS Trust.

About LGC

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomics and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within its customers' products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality and range.

LGC's tools play a key role in customer workflows from discovery applications through to commercial manufacture and enable its customers to: bring new diagnostics and therapies to market; progress research and development; optimise food production; and continuously monitor and enhance the quality of food, the environment and consumer products.

LGC's 180 years of scientific heritage, combined with a track record of innovation and value-enhancing acquisitions, has enabled the company to build its product portfolio and expertise, and develop deep relationships with customers, industry partners and the global scientific community.

LGC's core purpose of Science for a Safer World and its core values of passion, curiosity, integrity, brilliance and respect, drive its culture. As of 27 March 2023, it employs over 4,300 employees, of which 27% hold PhD and/or master's degrees.? Its products and services are delivered by highly qualified and experienced teams, operating from a global network of accredited sites that showcase its scientific and manufacturing capabilities.

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