Funding boost brings powerful new medical research technology to Southampton
Researchers across Wessex will soon benefit from the region’s first full-spectrum flow cytometry analyser.
Flow cytometry is a powerful technique that can rapidly analyse and sort millions of cells.
A successful bid at the University of Southampton will establish a regional hub for advanced flow cytometry analysis. This will be located at Southampton General Hospital.
The University's Flow Cytometry Core Facility has secured £388,000 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Council (BBSRC).
The equipment award will significantly expand research capability in the South. This will provide access to the technology for researchers in Wessex from academia, healthcare and industry.
What is flow cytometry?
Flow cytometry enables scientists to analyse and characterise individual cells in exceptional detail.
This helps researchers better understand diseases and identify potential targets for new treatments.
The technology will help accelerate scientific discovery across many different fields. These include immunology, infection biology, cancer research and cellular biology.
Dr Carolann McGuire is Technical Manager of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility. She leads the facility.
“Securing this award is a significant milestone for the Flow Cytometry Core Facility,” she said.
“The new analyser will complement our existing Bigfoot full-spectrum cell sorter. It will provide a dedicated instrument for high-throughput analytical flow cytometry.
“This will enable researchers to undertake larger and more complex studies. It will increase access to full-spectrum technology and generate richer datasets to address complex biological questions.”
Shared regional resource
The successful application was supported by partners across the region. These include the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network and Wessex Health Partners. They also include the University of Portsmouth and Bournemouth University.
A key aim of the proposal was to address a gap in regional research infrastructure. The facility will support collaboration and enable wider access to cutting-edge technology.
The new analyser will be available to researchers throughout Wessex. This will help strengthen research partnerships and support ambitious, interdisciplinary research projects.
Christine McGrath is Managing Director of Wessex Health Partners.
“This award exemplifies what strong regional partnership can achieve,” she said. “By creating an open access cytometry hub, Southampton and its partners are delivering a shared resource that will enhance research capability across Wessex. This will support ambitious, interdisciplinary science.”
Recognising Research Technical Professionals
Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) play a central role in enabling world-class research. They deliver specialist training, support experimental design and secure major infrastructure investment.
Professor Nick Evans is an Associate Dean (Research) at the University.
“We are delighted that Carolann and the team have secured this significant investment,” he said. “I warmly congratulate everyone involved in developing such a strong and ambitious application.
“The award recognises both the excellence of our RTPs, and the vital role that the facility plays in enabling high-quality research across the Faculty and beyond.
“This new regional capability will support exciting collaborations across academia, healthcare and industry.”
The specialist facility is one of several within Southampton Medical Research Services (SMRS).
SMRS provides access to advanced technologies for researchers in the Faculty of Medicine. It also offers expert technical support and specialist training.
This successful bid was led by Dr McGuire. It shows SMRS technical expertise continues to attract investment and deliver cutting-edge technologies. This benefits both Southampton researchers and the wider scientific community.
Looking ahead
The facility will now begin the procurement process for the new analyser. This will be done through a competitive tender exercise.
The instrument is expected to be installed and operational within the next year.
This will help accelerate discovery and strengthen research collaboration across the South Coast.