This is part one of a trilogy on the Evolution of the Life Sciences in the UK. Read about the intro and background here. Part 1 can be found here and Part 2 here.
As the demands of the life science industry evolve, so too must the spaces that support the scientists driving innovation. Effective design focuses on creating flexible, well-located spaces that enhance the lives of scientists around the clock. Essential elements include late-night security, vibrant retail amenities, green spaces, and proximity to key research and university facilities. If immediate space needs and location criteria are unmet, the quest for support and amenities for top talent could overshadow scientific progress.
Tech companies have swiftly adapted to these needs, situating themselves in vibrant areas that fully support staff, whereas science spaces require deeper locational attributes since a single building’s amenities cannot fully meet staff needs. The most successful science clusters blend immediate operational needs with a vibrant, supportive environment to foster innovation.
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Incorporating Supportive Facilities for Family Life
The career demands in life sciences, particularly for women, necessitate balancing long work hours and family responsibilities. Integrating childcare facilities within workplaces can transform the work-life balance for female scientists, signalling a cultural shift towards supporting their dual roles. Furthermore, large cities provide central support services essential for women, such as extended childcare hours and better transport connections, facilitating easier coordination of family and professional responsibilities. Finally, ensuring the safety of female scientists working non-traditional hours is essential for attracting leading female talent and creating a thriving work environment for everyone in the industry.
Adaptable Spaces for a Dynamic Discipline
The dynamic nature of scientific inquiry requires adaptable lab spaces that can evolve with the shifting needs of various disciplines. Flexibility in design allows these spaces to accommodate new technologies and methodologies as the boundaries of science expand, minimising the need for disruptive renovations. This adaptability also influences career trajectories, from educational choices to long-term professional and personal planning.
Promoting Mental Health and Social Interaction
To combat the isolation often associated with intensive research, communal areas like roof terraces, gardens, and lounges are crucial. These spaces not only provide mental health benefits but also encourage informal interactions that can lead to collaborative ventures.
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Ecosystem Design and Development
The traditional model of huge pharmaceutical campuses with comprehensive amenities served well but is now limited by fixed service hours and location constraints. Modern life science parks must support round-the-clock research with robust infrastructure, including secure delivery points and enhanced security measures, especially for off-peak hours to accommodate the ongoing nature of scientific research.
Corporate reorganisations have led major companies to vacate these campuses, leaving opportunities for emerging biotechs to retrofit these spaces. Although these setups are not perfect and often lack sufficient support services, they currently solve many logistical challenges and help get the job done.
Key Takeaways
The design and development of life science spaces must prioritise flexibility, support, and accessibility to nurture the next generation of scientific innovation effectively. By addressing these key areas, we can create environments that not only meet the functional needs of the industry but also enhance the well-being and productivity of its workforce.
Life science spaces must evolve with industry demands, prioritising flexibility and strategic location to support around-the-clock innovation.
Integration of childcare and safety measures is critical to support female scientists and attract top talent.
Life science facilities benefit from urban settings that provide essential services and vibrant community interaction.
Lab spaces require adaptability to keep pace with rapid scientific advancements and technological shifts.
Communal areas are essential for promoting mental health and fostering informal collaborations among scientists.
Modern life science ecosystems need robust infrastructure to accommodate continuous research and evolving industry needs.
About the Authors
Dr Neha Tanna is a licensed medical doctor with many years of experience in the Biopharma industry. She works as part of senior leadership teams in the biotech industry and as a venture capital investor.
Michael Cunniffe is the Managing Director, UK of Danforth Advisors. Danforth provide development and corporate support functions on a fractional basis to high growth life science companies across all development stages, from seed to public, including IPO and fundraising transactions.
Ryan Matenchuk is a real estate finance professional with a depth of experience working in the property industry for over 20 years. He worked closely with the design and development teams, investors, vendors and debt providers to bring significant projects to life.
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