A £1.75 million research and innovation centre at the University of Derby, member of Made in the Midlands, has benefited from £850,000 of investment from the D2N2 local enterprise partnership.
The new Facility for Omics Research in Metabolism (FORM) will focus on the effect that foods, vitamins, supplements and drugs have on the human body.
It will also support the education of 800 highly skilled learners as well as providing more than 20 jobs.
The money from D2N2 – the local enterprise partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire – is part of its local growth fund allocation which allows it to invest in projects that benefit the local area and economy, supporting jobs, homes, and learners.
FORM is being set up to improve the health outcomes of people through a better understanding of how diet and drugs can improve metabolic conditions and treat disease.
It follows similar projects D2N2 has invested in with the university, including its Rail Research & Innovation Centre, the Chesterfield Centre for Higher Level Skills, and the DE-Carbonise project.
The facility should be completed by April and will welcome its first students next September.
D2N2 interim chair David Williams said: “We at D2N2 are pleased to be able to back the Facility for OMICSs Research in Metabolism which will further boost our region’s thriving sciences sector and its burgeoning reputation for outstanding research.
“This project is just the latest in a long line of investments D2N2 has made in partnership with the University of Derby which improve the lives of local people, boost the economy, and help shape the future of our region.”
Professor Warren Manning, Provost for Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “This is another significant development in the University’s research capability, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with D2N2 once again to make it possible.
“This centre will provide vital data and information for industry and consumers alike, with the long-term aim of improving people’s health outcomes.
“In addition, new jobs and skills will be delivered, which are essential in a time of such great economic uncertainty as our region aims to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.”
(Source: Business Live)