The latest Business updates from the science industry


by Gwyneth Astles


Partnership to promote sustainable water purification solutions across laboratory sites


Europe’s leading Life Science ecosystem builder, Pioneer Group, operates 12 innovation-focused campuses across the UK and Ireland and supports scientifi c start-ups, scale-ups and MNCs through lab spaces and facilities, accelerator programmes, investment and network connections; all helping transform ideas into reality.


Pioneer will work with Avidity Science to enhance laboratory infrastructure across its UK sites, starting with their fi rst ever site, BioCity in Nottingham, and their newest facility, Victoria House in London which is a 300,000 ft2 facility in London’s Bloomsbury Square, offering unique combination of incubator, fully-fi tted and lab-enabled labs and offi ces.


Avidity Science is a global leader in laboratory water purification systems and also distributes a range of other innovative lab equipment.


Avidity Science has installed water purifi cation systems in the recently launched Victoria House building in London. These e-Series systems provide the full spectrum of water types, from RO (Type 3) to ultrapure (Type 1), all accessible via a shared utility room for tenants. These systems incorporate a number of energy


Laboratory sites across the UK are being upgraded through the Pioneer–Avidity Science partnership.


and resource saving features, including recirculation through the RO membrane to save almost 50% of water, an automatic standby mode to reduce energy usage when not in use, and reservoirs and purifi cation packs made from recyclable materials.


Niamh Madden , Account Manager for Lab Suppliers at Pioneer, commented: “Avidity Science shares Pioneer Group’s passion for innovation, sustainability and facilitating advancements in science. Having dealt with Avidity Science water systems at our Dublin site through their Irish distributor, Mason Technology, we’re thrilled to be working with the team direct in the UK.


“We are delighted to be working with Pioneer Group to enhance laboratory spaces with our sustainable water purifi cation technologies,” said Elise Mosley, Life Science Sales Manager at Avidity Science. “With over 25 years of expertise, we are committed to delivering innovative systems that not only meet the rigorous demands of modern science but also contribute to a greener future.”


Avidity Science’s regional technical team will support Pioneer sites across the UK, offering solutions that are tailored to each lab environment.


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UK programme trains next generation of medicine makers


A UK government programme tackling the life sciences skills gap is already showing impressive results, thanks to innovative use of virtual reality and industry-led training.


The Resilience programme, launched in April 2024 with £4.5 million funding from the Offi ce for Life Sciences, aims to equip the next generation of medicines manufacturers with practical skills that are diffi cult, costly, or disruptive to gain in real-world labs. By combining hands-on workshops, leadership development, and immersive VR experiences, the scheme is preparing trainees to thrive across the pharmaceutical sector.


So far, Resilience has reached more than 1,200 trainees through specialised training sessions and engaged 13,500 students in outreach activities at 170 events across the UK. Its leadership accelerator has supported 75 emerging sector leaders from 23 organisations, with 66% female and 45% from BAME backgrounds, highlighting the programme’s commitment to diversity.


Professor Ivan Wall, co-director of Resilience, emphasised the impact: “Over a thousand trainees have gained the skills to step confi dently into medicines manufacturing, and tens of thousands of students have been inspired to consider careers in a fi eld facing critical shortages.


By developing this talent pipeline, we strengthen the UK’s life sciences sector and make it a natural choice for global investment.”


Beyond skills development, the programme is helping the NHS achieve its net-zero goals, as VR-based training reduces laboratory waste and associated emissions, which make up roughly a quarter of the NHS supply chain footprint.


Partner organisations include University of Birmingham, UCL, Teesside University, Heriot-Watt University, and Britest, working together to deliver a combination of cutting-edge training, leadership development, and immersive experiences that equip the workforce for the challenges of modern medicines manufacturing.


Partner organisations include University of Birmingham, UCL, Teesside University, Heriot-Watt University, and Britest, working together to deliver a combination of cutting-edge training, leadership development, and immersive experiences that equip the workforce for the challenges of modern medicines manufacturing.


With early results described as “overwhelmingly positive,” Resilience demonstrates how technology, education, and collaboration can address critical skills shortages while supporting sustainability and innovation in UK life sciences.


Professor Ivan Wall. Credit: Resilience


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Wellcome grant supports Malawi-Liverpool global health programme


The Malawi-Liverpool-Welcomed (MLW) Research Programme has secured a seven-year core grant from Wellcome, underpinning its mission to deliver world-class health research and train the next generation of African scientists.


A fl agship partnership for over 30 years between the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the University of Liverpool, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi, and Wellcome, MLW has led high-impact studies on malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, pneumonia, maternal and child health, and vaccine policy - shaping health strategies across Africa and beyond.


The new funding will expand Malawi-led, internationally connected research across infectious diseases, maternal, neonatal, and child


health, health systems, social determinants, and climate-related health challenges. It will also strengthen training programmes, ensuring emerging researchers gain the skills to drive future breakthroughs.


Professor Henry Mwandumba, MLW Programme Director, said: “This grant is a vote of confi dence in our teams and in Malawi’s role at the forefront of global health research. It allows us to scale high- impact studies, accelerate clinical trials, and invest in innovation while strengthening equitable partnerships that translate research into better health outcomes.”


Professor Bertie Squire, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Partnerships at LSTM, added: “For three decades, MLW has shown how equitable, collaborative research can save lives. This continued


support ensures we can train the next generation of scientists and deliver research that makes a tangible difference.”


Jimmy Volmink, Executive Director of Equity at Wellcome, said: “MLW has consistently advanced global health and nurtured new research talent. We are delighted to continue our partnership, helping the programme address urgent health challenges across the region.”


The 2025–2032 grant will strengthen MLW’s infrastructure, culture, and public engagement, expanding its impact as a centre of excellence in interdisciplinary health research and training.


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