Innovation boost as work begins on insect research laboratory

Research business, Fera Science, has invested £1m into creating a UK “first of its kind” insect research laboratory at its base at bioscience hub York Biotech Campus (YBC).

The expansion involves converting a former storage unit into a purpose-built insect research unit and will see the business’s presence at YBC grow by over 2,000 sq ft.

The laboratory, which is also one of the first in Europe, will allow Fera to upscale its current insect services and help meet the needs of clients from across the food industry by being able to show insect bioconversion at scale and replicate the nature of insect farming in a factory.

Insect bioconversion is the process of feeding insects waste to create additional materials, such as protein or fertiliser.

This practice is designed to reduce waste, provide alternative food for animal feed and cut the environmental impact of sourcing for protein in already depleted areas, ultimately helping to combat climate change.

The laboratory will not only support Fera’s clients, but will enable collaborations with university partners, start-ups, insect farms and support policy and regulatory authorities within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Work on the unit started on site this month, with operational launch of the laboratory set for July 2022.

In line with the launch of the new laboratory, Fera will be expanding its team and is looking to recruit six more team members.

Damian Malins, venturing projects director at Fera Scienc,e said: “We’re extremely excited about opening our new insect research laboratory, as it means we’re able to deliver far more to all our clients including commercial and public sector, as well as research partners.

“What’s even better is that we’re growing our base at YBC. The campus sits at the heart of an agricultural region that is driving the circular economy and bio-based industry.

“The collaboration it encourages is fantastic, and through connections with other tenants and near neighbours we have already established links to food producers, community groups and agri-businesses who wish to explore the potential of insect farming as part of their net carbon zero objectives.”

Liz Cashon, innovation campus manager at York Biotech Campus, added: “We’re so pleased to have been part of supporting the design and build of this new laboratory for Fera, having worked together since it was simply a concept.

“We always aim to help our tenants achieve their commercial ambitions, so it’s very rewarding for us that the laboratory will help Fera service more clients and establish additional partners.

“It’s an extremely exciting laboratory to have on site and further cements the campus as playing a major role in driving forwards research and innovation in the region.”