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Biosciences

Expanding horizons in health and biosciences innovation

With our cutting-edge facilities and industry-centred approach, we empower businesses to push the boundaries of bioscience innovation. Through the National Horizons Centre (NHC), we’re committed to advancing research, supporting product development, and nurturing talent across the biosciences sector.

Biosciences

Top reasons to collaborate with us

World-class facilities without major investment

Gain access to advanced lab equipment and state-of-the-art resources at the NHC, without the need for large capital expenditure. Purpose-built for research with a commercial focus, our facilities offer a highly adaptable environment, designed to support research and development at every stage.

Strategic location for optimal collaboration

Located in the Darlington Science Park, the NHC is perfectly positioned to support the UK's biosciences network, with excellent transport and logistics for sample movement and seamless collaboration across the country and beyond.

Applied expertise with industry focus

Our academic team brings extensive experience in translational, industry-applied research. This means our partners benefit from practical, real-world solutions that drive innovation and growth within the biosciences.

Flexible leasing for all business sizes

Whether you're a startup or an established corporation, our responsive leasing agreements at the NHC allow your team to embed seamlessly within our bioscience ecosystem, adapting to your specific research and development needs.

Workforce development

Short course

Adeno-Associated Virus 101, Non-accredited CPD

This course introduces the fundamentals of Adeno-Associated Viruses (AAV) and their role in the biopharma industry. You explore AAVs’ structure, function, and their growing importance in gene therapy and bioprocessing. Suitable for all levels, this course provides insights into AAV development and manufacturing processes.

 

Short course

Advanced Bioprocess Control, Data and PAT, Non-accredited CPD

This five-day course provides in-depth training in the benefits, strategies and concepts control in industrial biomanufacturing, including the challenges and operational complexity in maintaining productivity, efficiency, and quality in the bioprocessing environment and on multi-unit production lines.

 

Short course

Antibody-Drug Conjugates 101, Non-accredited CPD

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), exploring their development and role in targeted therapies. You gain an understanding of ADC production, including upstream and downstream processes, regardless of your scientific background.

 

Short course

Bioinformatics, UCPD

You are introduced to bioinformatics concepts around visualising and analysing DNA sequence data, as well as basic molecular data analysis.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Back to Basics for Bioprocessing, Non-accredited CPD

This course introduces new staff and recent graduates to the foundational principles of bioprocessing. Covering essential topics like cell structure, protein functionality and immune responses, you gain a comprehensive understanding of the basics needed to thrive in the biopharma industry.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Bioreactors, Non-accredited CPD

This course introduces bioreactors, focusing on the essential elements of bioprocessing. Aimed at new graduates and operatives, it covers everything from bioreactor architecture to scaling principles, equipping you with the knowledge you need to succeed in the biopharma industry.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Biotherapeutics Landscape, Non-accredited CPD

This course introduces newcomers and graduates to the dynamic world of biotherapeutics. Covering everything from biopharma modalities to various types of biotherapeutic products, this course provides essential knowledge for anyone entering the biopharmaceutical industry.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Chromatography, Non-accredited CPD

This course introduces newcomers and recent graduates to the core principles and practical applications of chromatography in the biopharmaceutical industry. You develop a solid foundation in chromatography and how it’s used in separating and purifying biopharmaceutical compounds.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Clarification, Non-accredited CPD

This course is designed for early-career process scientists, managers and technologists. It provides comprehensive coverage of clarification methods in upstream bioprocessing, equipping learners with the skills needed for successful separation and purification.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Critical Quality Attributes, Non-accredited CPD

This course is ideal for those new to biopharmaceutical quality control. It covers the fundamentals of Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), essential for ensuring product safety and efficacy in bioprocessing.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Host Cell Protein Clearance, Non-accredited CPD

This course provides dives into Host Cell Protein (HCP) clearance, essential for ensuring product purity in biopharmaceuticals. It is tailored for professionals in bioprocessing, process design and quality management.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Intro to Upstream Bioprocessing, Non-accredited CPD

This 100% online course introduces key principles of upstream bioprocessing, providing flexible learning with no formal assessments. It is designed for professionals in the early stages of their careers, offering foundational knowledge on the cell line development and bioreactor operations that drive biopharmaceutical production.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Tangential Flow Filtration, Non-accredited CPD

This 100% online course introduces Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) in biopharmaceutical processes, providing essential insights without formal assessments. Tailored for early-career professionals, it covers the advantages and applications of TFF to enhance product stability and safety in bioprocessing.

 

Short course

Bioprocess Essentials: Viral Clearance, Non-accredited CPD

This 100% online course provides an in-depth understanding of viral clearance in biopharmaceuticals, tailored for newcomers and recent graduates. With no formal assessments, it equips you with essential knowledge to navigate this critical area of bioprocessing.

 

Short course

Bioprocessing Essentials, Non-accredited CPD

This 100% online learning bundle includes a comprehensive suite of ‘Bioprocess Essentials’ modules at a reduced cost. It provides an extensive overview of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, combining foundational knowledge with advanced concepts relevant to the industry.

 

Short course

Bioprocessing Essentials: Downstream, Non-accredited CPD

This 100% online learning bundle offers a comprehensive suite of modules focused on downstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, providing an extensive technical overview at a reduced cost. It is ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of downstream operations.

 

Short course

Bioprocessing Essentials: Upstream, Non-accredited CPD

This 100% online e-learning bundle offers a suite of modules focused on upstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, providing a thorough overview at a reduced cost. It is designed for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of upstream operations.

 

Short course

Cell and Microbiology, UCPD

You explore how knowledge of the biology of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, has informed the identification and control of infectious diseases.

 

Short course

Complete Introduction to Bioprocessing, Non-accredited CPD

Gain a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and practical aspects involved in the production of GMP biological products. Develop a thorough understanding of modern bioprocessing by investigating active pharmaceutical manufacture in the context of vaccines, advanced therapies and biotherapeutics.

 

Short course

Demystifying Maths & Statistics for Bioscientists, Non-accredited CPD

Learn the essential mathematical principles and statistical theories that equip you as a research student or industrial practitioner with the tools to make an instant impact in your respective field.

 

Short course

Flow Cytometry for Advanced Therapies, Non-accredited CPD

Delivered in partnership with our strategic partner Beckman Coulter, you are introduced to flow cytometry for the characterisation of advanced therapeutic products.

 

Short course

Introduction to downstream bioprocessing, Non-accredited CPD

This 3-day course explores conventional downstream bioprocessing methods and operations used in modern biomanufacturing facilities.

 

Short course

Introduction to process automation and control, Non-accredited CPD

This three-day course is aimed at manufacturing operatives and those early in their careers, providing an understanding of the theory and techniques used in biomanufacturing.

 

Short course

Navigating the Biopharma Landscape, Non-accredited CPD

This course provides an essential overview of Biopharma processes and market trends, tailored for staff in commercial, strategic, and management roles.

 

Short course

Practical Skills for Host Cell Protein Analysis, Non-accredited CPD

This one-day course prioritises participation in hands-on practical sessions to introduce delegates to analytical techniques for host cell protein (HCP) analysis.

 

Short course

Practical Skills for Upstream Bioprocessing, Non-accredited CPD

This 3-day course explores common upstream bioprocessing approaches and practices used in modern biomanufacturing facilities.

 

Short course

Upstream Process Intensification, Non-accredited CPD

This 1-day workshop introduces you to the conventional concepts and theories underpinning upstream process intensification.

 

Research and innovation

Our research spans biodiscovery, digital health, medicine manufacturing, sustainable futures and the bioeconomy. With cutting-edge projects in fields such as next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and biomanufacturing scale-up in partnership with the NHS, biopharma, SMEs and government organisations, we provide the expertise and networks you need to accelerate your innovations and bring new products to market.

Find out more about research and innovation

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

Enhance your company's research capabilities and innovation potential through our KTPs, accessing support from top researchers and developing bespoke solutions to complex bioscience challenges.

Find out more about KTPs

Our impact

Facilities

National Horizon Centre

The £22.3m National Horizons Centre is dedicated to supporting bioscience companies with advanced equipment and resources. Here, you have access to a full suite of industry-leading technologies, including:

  • mass spectrometers
  • next-gen sequencing platforms
  • bioinformatics tools
  • bioreactors for biomanufacturing
  • high-performance confocal microscopes

Our facilities are purpose-designed for comprehensive research and development, providing a collaborative environment where businesses can develop, test, and refine innovations at all Technology Readiness Levels.

Find out more



Contact us

Get in touch to access a wealth of University expertise. All enquiries are treated confidentially - the more information you can provide, the more focused we can be in our response.

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