Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, has visited the new COVID-19 ‘megalab’ which is playing a central role in the UK’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

The lab has processed almost 300,000 COVID-19 tests in its opening weeks and, thanks to the country’s world-leading science and infrastructure and genomic sequencing capabilities is set to play a critical role in the Government’s ongoing response to the pandemic. 

During the visit Javid met staff and saw the state-of-the-art cutting-edge testing technology in action – including top-of-the-range robotics. 

The biggest of its kind in the UK, this megalab will roll out pioneering new genotype assay testing in the coming months to help scientists quickly identify known variants of concern, as well as genome sequencing to identify new mutations. 

Along with vaccinations, regular testing is playing an integral role in helping us manage this virus and will help ensure we are prepared for future pandemics

This technology is already helping the UK take decisive action to supress outbreaks as restrictions are eased, such as deploying surge testing.

The laboratory’s name honours Rosalind Franklin, whose legacy includes significant contributions towards the current understanding of RNA sequencing, which is now a major tool in the Government’s efforts to combat variants of concern.

Javid said: “The new Rosalind Franklin laboratory is bringing together some of the world’s leading scientists and large-scale, state-of-the-art testing infrastructure under one roof.

“Along with vaccinations, regular testing is playing an integral role in helping us manage this virus and will help ensure we are prepared for future pandemics. 

A boost for science and technology

“This megalab will soon be helping us not only process tests, but also detect the kind of variants that threaten our progress in living with COVID-19.”

The laboratory is also a huge boost for the local area, creating employment opportunities and inspiring a new generation into careers in science and technology.

Javid adds: “The Rosalind Franklin Laboratory is providing new opportunities to drive the next generation of biotechnology discoveries investing and developing our expertise in genomics and health data.

“The laboratory aims to create and upskill scientists with a programme of training and, with close links to universities, to inspire a new generation to choose a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”

The first cohort of PhD students from the local University of Warwick have begun their placements at the lab as data scientists and bioscience leads, gaining hands-on experience on the frontline of COVID-19 testing. 

This megalab will soon be helping us not only process tests, but also detect the kind of variants that threaten our progress in living with COVID-19

The university is also working closely with the laboratory to continue developing opportunities for collaboration, including research and professional training.

Chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, Jenny Harries, said: “The newly-established UK Health Security Agency has been formed to help protect the UK not only against COVID-19, but from the health threats and pandemics of the future.

“This megalab is going to be right at the heart of our present and future battles against national health threats and it is already arming our exceptional scientists with the right testing and genomics infrastructure to manage the spread of COVID-19.

“As well as helping us combat this virus, our hope is that many of the leading scientists of tomorrow will begin their careers in STEM here at the Rosalind Franklin laboratory in the months and years ahead.”