A new facility is on the way that aims to bolster the UK’s defense against pandemics.
The government has announced a massive investment worth billions to establish the National Biosecurity Centre (NBC) in Harlow, Essex. This state-of-the-art center will combine existing facilities from the UK Health Security Agency currently located in London and Wiltshire, making it the largest of its kind in Europe.
Scientists at the NBC will focus on researching pathogens and expanding vaccine production to prepare for possible global health crises.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting spoke during his visit to Harlow, stating, “The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a swift response to emerging health threats, and the new NBC will help us achieve just that.”
While the new center is being constructed, the UK Health Security Agency will maintain operations in Colindale, north-west London, and Porton Down in Wiltshire to ensure a smooth transition without compromising public health.
The project is set to create around 1,600 jobs during its development phase, fostering improved collaboration among scientists. The first phase of the NBC will be ready by the mid-2030s, with full operations expected by 2038.
Streeting added, “Harlow will transform into a hub of scientific research, with the NBC actively working on advanced treatments, enhanced health solutions, and ultimately saving lives.” He emphasized the commitment to innovation, strengthening the UK’s NHS, and solidifying its place as a leader in life sciences.
The government confirmed that £250 million from this total multi-billion investment will be allocated over its current parliamentary term to initiate the project.
A spokesperson indicated that the final funding amount for the center would be finalized shortly.
It is anticipated that the NBC will facilitate collaborations between industry scientists and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to drive groundbreaking medical research.
The Harlow facility will house laboratories designed for comprehensive studies on new and high-risk diseases.
Dyfed Alsop, who is the interim chief executive of UKHSA, expressed that this announcement is a significant milestone for the UK, promising continued protection for public health for many years ahead.
The new center’s unveiling follows the government’s commitment to invest £1 billion to enhance a facility focused on animal disease research in Weybridge, Surrey.
Rest assured, the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory site at Porton Down will not be impacted and will keep operating as usual.
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