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.
