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Scotland's
internationally renowned science and technology-based research and
development work, with collaborations found practically every corner of
the planet and representing undoubted R&D global expertise, continues to
be dogged by an urgent need for laboratory facilities to get the job
done, according to separate warnings.
A parliamentary Scottish Affairs Committee report and Remora Bio, who
have attracted US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada
approval, plus groundlevel insight from freshly-graduated career-seeker
University of Glasgow BSc(Hons) with a talent for data annotation
Cameron McGregor Bowes. The message is clear: there remains an acute
shortage of suitable lab facilities, plain and simple.
Ironically, this downbeat appraisal of the day-to-day science and tech
reality comes as a UK Spending Review confirmed a £750 million
investment enabling Scotland to host Britain's first national
supercomputer. To be housed within the University of Edinburgh it
represents a landmark moment in Scotland's science and tech development.
On the thorny question of laboratory space, I recall when the "new"
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh opened at Little France in 2003, coupled
with the Edinburgh Futures Institute and replacing the original ERI in
Lauriston Place dating back to 1979. Not quite Orwell's hero Winston in
his 1984 cubicle but talk of cupboard-sized facilities became local
mythology with more than a hint of truth attached.
It quickly became evident the critical research element of such a
world-class hospital could be hampered by a significantly less square
meterage per scientist than the ideal. Wind forward and it appears
matters have not improved across the board.
Cameron McGregor Bowes
A Daunting Task
Dr Richard Hammond, CEO of award-winning Remora Bio, in a guest blog for
Glasgow-based Perceptive Communicators, bemoans what he describes as a
"significant challenge" threatening to stifle the burgeoning life
sciences sector due to "an acute shortage of suitable lab space." Remora
Bio has experienced firsthand the incredible potential of Scotland's
talent pool: "Over the past 18 months we have grown our team from two to
seven, recruiting outstanding individuals across our commercial and R&D
teams."
Remora is working on its advanced biofilm prevention technology inspired
by the natural biology of the oceans and on the cusp of significant
growth. "Yet, like many other life sciences companies we face the
daunting task of finding adequate, suitably located lab space to support
our expansion. it is a critical bottleneck that could impede the
progress of Scotland's life sciences sector."
Apparently regional funding is more often than not used to refurbish
existing spaces rather than creating bespoke facilities that can truly
drive innovation - "We are proud to be part of Scotland's vibrant life
sciences community and are committed to contributing to its future
success..as a powerhouse of life sciences talent especially in the
Central Belt.
"However, to continue this trajectory we need the infrastructure to
support our ambitions. it is a pressing issue that requires immediate
attention. By investing in bespoke lab facilities we can ensure that we
remain at the forefront of life sciences innovation, driving economic
growth and improving global health outcomes."
Remora's new biocompatible materials patent technology for the likes of
3D printing and milling. Containing its unique anti-biofilm technology
that disrupts communication of bacteria (quorum sensing) by mimicking
the natural protective mechanism of red seaweed, to significantly reduce
biofilm and plaque build-up on surfaces.
Planning Policy Snags
A UK House of Commons 2024/2025 Scottish Affairs Committee "Science &
Scotland: Government Response" highlights how many of the challenges in
developing more lab space are related to "planning policy."
The special report noted the majority of government support for
incubator space arises around universities but: "While planning and
universities are devolved matters, we are keen to collaborate with the
Scottish Government to address these issues."
Life sciences, for
example, represents a key growth cluster for Scotland embracing health
tech, digital, pharma and services along with the 3A sector of
aquaculture, agritec and animal health with a target towards reaching £8
billion in size, a figure exceeded "by several billions" a Scottish
Enterprise-staged "Life Sciences in Scotland" 2025 report highlights.
SE, the country's economic development agency, says it is now time to
have a conversation with stakeholders to collect feedback and gain
input. Surely growing anxieties over a critical lack of laboratory
facilities for Scotland's excellent R&D innovations will be well up the
agenda.
Supercomputer Boost
Meanwhile, the Edinburgh-based supercomputer will work alongside the AI
research resource, a network of the UK's most powerful supercomputers
built to bolster scientific research with the resource already being
used to research Alzheimer's vaccines and treatments for cancer by
stimulating how drugs work inside the body and "testing" millions of
potential drugs virtually to speed up the creation of new medicines.
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray: "This is a landmark moment
and will place Scotland at the forefront of the UK's technological
revolution...placing at the cutting edge of computing power globally.
Playing a leading role in creating breakthroughs that have a global
benefit - such as new medicines, health advances and climate change
solutions..delivering economic growth for communities across Scotland."
The UK and Scottish Governments intend to jointly ensure an expansion of
the AI Research Resource by at least 20 times by 2030 with the Edinburgh
supercomputer representing value for money "meeting the needs of the
diverse user groups".
All tremendously heady stuff. As long as we do not forget just how
crucial it is as regards properly accommodating our vital R&D
communities, working daily in the laboratory to guarantee that
Scotland's full potential on the sciences, tech and digital global stage
occurs... |
