UK Biocentre expands sample storage capacity with new automated system
The UK Biocentre in Milton Keynes is set to enhance its large-scale biomedical research capabilities with the addition of a new high- density automated storage system. The BioArc Ultra, developed by Azenta Life Sciences, will expand the facility’s capacity by 16 million biological samples, supporting critical research projects, including the UK’s Our Future Health initiative.
The installation of the BioArc Ultra will complement the seven existing Azenta BioArc Flex systems already in operation at the UK Biocentre. Currently capable of storing more than 35 million samples, the facility plays a key role in managing and processing biological materials for national and international health studies.
The fully automated -80°C storage system will enable high-throughput
sample retrieval, with the capacity to perform up to 9 million picks annually. The addition is expected to improve effi ciency by reducing storage footprint, energy consumption, and manual handling requirements. Furthermore, the system’s environmentally friendly refrigeration technology aligns with the UK Biocentre’s commitment to sustainability, utilising zero ozone depletion and zero global warming potential refrigerants.
Dr Tony Cox OBE, Chief Executive Offi cer of UK Biocentre, emphasised the importance of the new system, stating: “The BioArc Ultra ensures UK Biocentre remains at the forefront of large-scale sample storage innovation while fulfi lling our mission to reduce the environmental impact of vital clinical and life science research. We are proud to
partner with Azenta Life Sciences to bring this unique offering to the UK, enabling us to maximise the potential of every sample.”
The UK Biocentre will utilise the expanded storage capacity to facilitate large-scale studies such as Our Future Health, a research program involving up to fi ve million participants aimed at developing new approaches for disease prevention, detection, and treatment. The investment in automated sample management is expected to strengthen the UK’s biomedical research infrastructure and advance scientifi c discovery.
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Leading researchers recognised for advancements in battery research
Agilent Technologies Inc has presented Solutions Innovation Research Awards (SIRA) to Professors Anders Bentien of Aarhus University, Walter Gössler of the University of Graz, and Gregory Offer of Imperial College London for their groundbreaking contributions to battery research.
Professor Bentien’s work on fl ow battery systems will be supported by a one-year loan of an Agilent 5900 ICP-OES system. He aims to utilise the system to enhance his research into the kinetic and thermodynamic behaviour of these systems.
Professor Gössler’s research focuses on improving lithium-ion battery recycling. As part of his award, he will receive the Agilent 8900 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS to help optimise recycling processes and reduce environmental impact.
Professor Offer’s research, which addresses battery degradation, will be aided by the Agilent 5977C GC/ MSD. His work explores gas generation and volume swelling in end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, which will help improve their safety and longevity.
Agilent’s Nahid Chalyavi, Associate Vice President of University Relations, praised the researchers: “We are proud to support their efforts with advanced tools that will drive signifi cant progress in energy
Professor Gregory Offer, Imperial College London.
Professor Walter Gössler, University of Graz.
Professor Anders Bentien, Aarhus University.
storage technology, helping make batteries safer, more effi cient, and sustainable.”
The SIRA program, part of Agilent’s University Relations, empowers academic researchers with cutting- edge tools and support, driving innovation in energy storage and other critical technologies. More information online:
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Chemistry skills gap threatens UK economic growth
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) warns that a shortage of chemical scientists could undermine the UK’s economic growth and sustainability ambitions. Its Future Workforce and Education Pathways report projects that chemistry-related job growth will reach 6.5% over the next decade, outpacing the wider UK labour market by 30%. However, fi nancial pressures on universities and a shrinking talent pipeline raise concerns about the country’s ability to meet future demands.
The report highlights the need for signifi cant changes in education and skills development to secure the sector’s long-term sustainability. It calls for a more relevant curriculum for students aged 5 to 19, greater accessibility to vocational pathways, and an increased focus on practical skills to ensure graduates are better prepared for industry roles. At the same time, the decline in university chemistry courses - exacerbated by fi nancial challenges - is limiting opportunities for students to enter the fi eld, threatening the supply of skilled workers in an area with proven economic and scientifi c importance.
Dr Annette Doherty, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, emphasised that investment in chemistry education is crucial to maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in research and industry. She stressed that chemistry plays a vital role in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement, yet
than the national average, underlining the importance of adapting education and training to meet these emerging needs.
Industry leaders and educators agree that stronger collaboration between universities, businesses, and policymakers is essential to addressing these challenges. While universities play a key role in equipping students with technical knowledge, businesses report that many graduates lack the transferable skills needed for the workplace. The RSC argues that bridging this gap requires education reform, expanded vocational routes, and ongoing professional development to ensure the workforce remains adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape.
Dr Annette Doherty.
uncertainty around workforce development is already affecting confi dence in the sector. Without action to strengthen the skills pipeline, the UK risks falling behind in critical areas such as clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, and pharmaceutical innovation.
The report also highlights the growing need for digital and sustainability skills within the sector, refl ecting the evolving demands of modern STEM roles. Research shows that chemistry- related jobs are signifi cantly more likely to require green skills
As the UK navigates an increasingly complex economic and technological environment, the RSC is urging immediate action from government, industry, and educators to implement the reforms outlined in the report. By taking a coordinated approach, the UK can unlock the full potential of its chemical sciences sector and maintain its position as a global leader in science and innovation.
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