University of Surrey to open £1.5m bioanalytical science centre

The University of Surrey is gearing up for the launch of a new research facility to help scientists better understand various diseases and trace nanoplastics through the bodies and cells of humans and animals.

Backed by a £500,000 grant from The Wolfson Foundation, the Centre of Excellence for Bioanalytical Science will house leading researchers and high-end equipment like ion beams.

Together they’ll work to develop world-first methods of measuring biomarkers – chemical signatures used in biology and medicine to better diagnose and treat diseases.

Professor Melanie Bailey has been appointed centre director, leading alongside Professors Anthony Whetton and Paul Townsend.

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She said: “Our new centre will drive forward the next generation of technologies and biomarker measurements that are smarter, faster and environmentally friendly.

“Our novel approach to measurement will enable new research aimed at combatting anti-microbial resistance, exploring the impact of nanoplastics on human and animal health, non-invasive patient sampling and rapid clinical diagnostics for humans and animals.”

The centre will also offer an innovation hub for academic, industry, government, and NHS partners.

Professor Townsend, pro-vice-chancellor at the University of Surrey, added: “Our research will make a real impact by harnessing the power of AI-driven multi-omics and multi-modal imaging.

“We’ll transform how we treat and diagnose disease. We could develop non-invasive tests to check if someone has taken their medicine, or even help in forensics – we’re asking big questions and are aiming to find big answers.”

Researchers will also make use of the Surrey Ion Beam Centre and work closely alongside the county’s SEISMIC facility in their work.

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