Liverpool is set to revolutionise infectious disease research with a new AI-powered robotics lab, backed by £10m Innovation Zone funding. These advanced labs will accelerate the development of life-saving treatments for deadly pathogens, boosting the region’s life sciences leadership
The ambitious AI-powered robotics lab project has been awarded £10 million in funding from the Liverpool Innovation Zone, a significant boost that promises to accelerate the development of life-saving treatments for deadly diseases.
Located at the esteemed Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and supported by the Infection Innovation Consortium (iiCON), the high-containment Level 3 labs will leverage cutting-edge automation to safely and rapidly advance the creation of new vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics for high-risk pathogens.
Revolutionising disease research with automation
The new laboratories will be equipped with advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated liquid-handling systems. This technological integration will significantly enhance the speed and safety of research and development processes for critical treatments.
By automating many of the complex and potentially hazardous tasks involved in handling infectious agents, the labs will allow scientists to focus on innovation and accelerate the preclinical development of vital medical interventions. This move is expected to dramatically reduce the timelines for bringing new therapies to market, ultimately saving countless lives worldwide.
Strengthening Liverpool’s position as a life sciences leader
LSTM already boasts the largest concentration of Containment Level 3 laboratories in the North West of England, playing a crucial role in the rapid response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This new facility will further solidify Liverpool’s position as a leading centre for life sciences innovation.
The investment will also bolster the next phase of iiCON’s development, fostering stronger collaborations between industry, academia, and the National Health Service (NHS). This enhanced ecosystem will streamline the discovery and commercialisation of products aimed at tackling infectious diseases, attracting further investment and talent to the region.
Driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs
Beyond its crucial role in advancing medical science, the AI-powered robotics labs are projected to generate substantial economic benefits for the Liverpool City Region. Forecasts indicate that the facility will attract £40 million of investment within its first three years of operation.
This influx of capital will not only fuel research and development but also create numerous well-paid jobs in the burgeoning life sciences sector. By keeping highly skilled professionals within the region and attracting new businesses, the project promises to be a significant driver of economic prosperity.
A vote of confidence in regional innovation
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram hailed the investment as a “massive vote of confidence” in the region’s status as a global leader in health innovation. He emphasized the vital role the local life sciences sector played during the pandemic and highlighted how this funding will build upon that legacy. Professor Giancarlo Biagini, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at LSTM, echoed this sentiment, stating that the combined £20 million initiative, including funding from other sources, will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in health innovation. Professor Janet Hemingway, founding director of iiCON, expressed delight in supporting this “transformative initiative,” emphasising its potential to drive innovation and improve health outcomes through impactful collaborations.
Part of a larger vision for regional prosperity
This ambitious lab project is a key component of the 10-year Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone programme. This broader initiative aims to attract up to £800 million of public and private investment and generate 8,000 new skilled jobs within the region.
As part of the government’s National Investment Zone Programme, the development of these AI-powered robotics labs represents a significant step towards realising Liverpool’s potential as a world-leading hub for life sciences, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous future for the region and beyond.
