A new £12 million lab has opened at Imperial College’s Hammersmith campus in Shepherds Bush.
Eight storeys high, the new Laboratory of Medical Science (LMS) is home to 400 scientists researching genes, the environment, and heart and metabolic diseases.
It was unveiled by The Princess Royal on Tuesday 23 January. She was given a tour of the facilities, located opposite of Hammersmith Hospital in Wormwood Scrubs.
“The building's design is perfect for team science, creating a space that brings together different types of scientists to collaborate, learn, and innovate,” said Prof Wiebke Arlt commenting on the state-of-the-art medical research hub.
It’s the latest addition to the borough’s thriving life sciences landscape, driven by H&F Council’s pioneering Industrial Strategy.
Community-led
The Princess Royal was joined by staff and given a tour of the facilities, including the fly lab – which studies the DNA of fruit flies – and had a go at capturing a single strand of DNA. She also saw cardiac imaging equipment which uses artificial intelligence to spot signs of heart ageing.
Led by Prof Arlt, the space will give local residents the chance to join in the medical research through events and public lectures to share the knowledge around.
She said: “I’m very excited for our researchers, who will go out into communities and schools to share our science and build relationships that can create impact through education and engagement.”
Next generation of scientists
Princess Anne was also joined by members of the Young Hammersmith and Fulham Foundation charity, which works to empower young people.
Gareth Dixon, CEO of Young Hammersmith and Fulham Foundation, said: “We look forward to working collaboratively to inspire the next generation of scientists, right here in Hammersmith.”
Young Hammersmith and Fulham Foundation is free to join, and supports voluntary organisations in H&F, to increase partnerships and create opportunities.
