Innovative science and engineering research facility launched at Penryn Campus

The £5.5 million Science and Engineering Research Support Facility (SERSF) was launched during a special ceremony, attended by local entrepreneurs, government officials, research collaborators, and University staff on Thursday 22^nd October.

The new facility features a specially designed area for business engagement called ‘The Collaboratory’, which will facilitate the development of long-term research projects with selected local business partners. Additionally, laboratories for offshore renewables and biosciences academics will enable an expansion of the research led by the Marine Renewables team and the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC).

The facility will also provide a home for the University of Exeter Business School as it expands into Cornwall for the first time during the 2015/2016 academic year.

The University of Exeter’s Professor Mark Goodwin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of External Affairs, spoke to guests before helping conduct a tour of the state-of-the-art building. He said: “The SERSF facility is a symbol of our success as an institution. The academics housed in this space have brought in nearly £2 million in grants this year alone, which has required that we construct a new building to provide them space to conduct their groundbreaking research..

“We are pleased that much of this work is done in collaboration with regional partners, allowing us to make substantial contributions to Cornwall’s economy. We hope that the new interdisciplinary space will facilitate productive new conversations and partnerships with businesses, charities, and community organisations throughout the Duchy.”

The two-storey, 1200m² building was designed by Burwell Deakins Architects and was built by Midas Construction. It was designed to a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) Excellent rating, indicating its high level of environmental sustainability.

Andy McAdam, Divisional Director of the Devon and Cornwall division of Midas Construction, said: “We are proud to have once again worked successfully with the University of Exeter on another fantastic new building for the Westcountry, and to have delivered a first-class building that will bring substantial benefits to those working and studying in Cornwall for many years to come.”

The SERSF was jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund Convergence Programme (£3.9 million) and the University of Exeter (£1.6 million).