SUFFOLK’S university has received a half-million pound boost to develop its biotech department.

University Campus Suffolk (UCS) will be home to a world-class laboratory thanks to �500k funding from Suffolk County Council and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

The contribution will go towards equipping the new biotechnology laboratory that UCS is planning to build later this year.

This will provide:

A state of the art teaching and learning facility in the field of bio technology.

A research laboratory for use by healthcare professionals including those at The Suffolk Hospital NHS.

Attraction of international experts in the field of biotechnology.

Strengthening undergraduate and post graduate course in the Biosciences at UCS.

Prof Brendon Noble of UCS said: “UCS is delighted that SCC and EEDA have supported us in this way. We look forward to both, producing exciting training opportunities in the region and engaging with companies and experts in the field.”

Alison Webster, executive director of enterprise and skills at EEDA, said: “The new laboratory facilities at UCS will further enhance its reputation as a world-class seat of learning. The biotechnology sector will create the jobs of tomorrow, and these facilities will ensure that Suffolk and the East of England remain at the forefront of innovation and scientific research.”

Jeremy Pembroke, Leader of Suffolk County Council said, “I am delighted that we have been able to support the university in their bid for this funding.

“We have been working closely with the university and EEDA to secure this funding which will enable to university to acquire innovative lab equipment which will boost UCS’s reputation as a centre of excellence in the field of bio technology and will lift the university to a new level of achievement and impact.”