New lab that will help in the fight against disease opens at Leeds Beckett University

The lab, which is at the City Campus where the School of Health is based, houses specialist equipment that will enable undergraduate and postgraduate students to engage with cutting-edge research. This includes the latest technologies, such as imaging flow cytometry (used to analyse characteristics of cells and particles) and Real-Time PCR (used to determine the expression level of target genes).

Working under the expert supervision of our research-active academics and supported by our dedicated learning support officers, students will have the opportunity to embark on a wide-range of original projects, researching key health topics from how complex diseases such as diabetes and cancer develop, through to the biology underpinning global health challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance.

The new teaching laboratory will help Leeds Beckett to meet the local and national workforce shortages of high skilled, highly employable science and health graduates and provide opportunities for more students to train towards these essential professions.

Professor Jim Boyne, Head of Biomedical Science, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, said:

“Our dual-accredited Biomedical Science courses include extensive training in a diverse range of practical techniques. Our new Biomedical Science teaching laboratory at City Campus will provide our students with a state-of-the-art space to undertake all aspects of their training. We cannot wait to welcome our students into this fantastic new space! “

Dean of the School of Health, Dr Duncan Sharp, said: “As a School, we are committed to preparing our students for the realities they face in their workplaces. The new Biomedical Science teaching laboratory will ensure our students study in realistic and inspiring environments, and graduate with the skills and confidence to make a difference to individuals, communities, and organisations.”

Dr Sue Jones, Executive Head of Education at the Institute of Biomedical Science, cut the ribbon to officially open the new lab. She said: “I am delighted to officially open the new teaching laboratory at Leeds Beckett University. These fantastic new facilities will support the development of practical and technical skills for the undergraduate and postgraduate students.”