New £7m BioHub facility officially opened

A NEW £7m medical research facility in Birmingham has officially opened.

The Biomedical Innovation Hub – or BioHub – at the University of Birmingham features new and innovative biomedical laboratory facilities and office space.

The new facility, which is situated in the heart of Edgbaston’s Medical Quarter, is targeted at researchers, interested business people and medical entrepreneurs.
 
The format of shared laboratory facilities with accompanying office space is based on the successful co-working concept of ‘plug-and-play’ biotech incubators pioneered in the United States.

Speaking at the opening of the new facility, Professor Sir David Eastwood, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said the BioHub was part of the university’s core mission to translate the results of research and teaching into economic impact.

“The opening of The BioHub is a significant milestone contributing to the growth of the life sciences sector in Birmingham and is a major new asset for the outstanding medical cluster here in Edgbaston, and the wider City Region,” he said.

Cllr Tahir Ali, of Birmingham City Council, added: “There’s a growing life science sector in the West Midlands, with over 850 science businesses in the region, a large medical school, and the city has a proven track record in clinical academic programmes and translational research.

“The BioHub is the latest project to spearhead the next step on linking innovators with medical experts and opportunities for clinical trials – all to better improve our healthcare. It’s putting Birmingham on a map internationally in a way that has never been done before.”

Life Sciences Minister George Freeman said it was important for people to remember that the provision of life sciences in the UK extended beyond the traditional ‘golden triangle’ of London, Oxford and Cambridge.  

“The work going on at The BioHub is absolutely key to the success of our economy,” he said.

“The multi-disciplinary convergence is really changing the life sciences landscape and examples like The BioHub create great opportunities for people to work together.”

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