About the Bioinnovation Hub
The Bioinnovation Hub is in the forefront of Oxford Brookes drive to share cutting edge research and knowledge-led innovation in the biotech sector. Through the Hub, the University welcomes research collaborations with companies and organisations, and makes available its physical resources including lab space for hire and specialist equipment.
The expertise of University staff is on hand to advise on the formulation of projects and to provide specialist services that assist biotech companies in moving projects forward.
Our pool of talented students also offer companies options to recruit enthusiastic, high quality personnel through student placements at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Building on our success, and our role in establishing the Oxfordshire Bioscience Network, the Bioinnovation Hub is a further indicator of the University’s ongoing commitment to working with business and industry to commercialise research and impact in our community.
Testimonials
The Oxford Brookes University Bioinnovation Hub (BIH) is the ideal place to set up operations with your fledgling spin-out company. Recently refurbished labs offer some excellent facilities with accompanying support from the BIH team. There is a convivial atmosphere between company personnel that makes for a highly pleasant working environment. Access to other university facilities (social and sporting) complete the package. I highly recommend it
Meet the Team
Sarah Irons, Bioinnovation Hub manager
Sarah has a PhD in plant cell biology and diverse postdoctoral research experience, working in EU consortiums studying recombinant pharma-proteins in plants and non-targeted effects of radiation in mammalian systems, before working as a research fellow in the insect virus research group at Oxford Brookes.
Sarah has managed the Bioinnovation Hub since its inception in 2016. With her combination of research and lab management experience, she is perfectly positioned to ensure hub companies are well supported so they can focus on growth.
Alexandra Melvin, Bioinnovation Hub technician
Alex ensures the smooth operation of our laboratory facilities. She provides expertise around chemical health and safety and trains users on much of our shared equipment.
Before joining the University in XXXX, Alex worked in XXXX gaining experience in XXXX.
The Bioinnovation Hub really helped us massively when we were looking to start a small lab in the Oxford area. The central location and the facilities were ideal for us, and because of the large amount of shared equipment, plus the proximity to Brookes academic labs and neighbouring small companies, we were able to make a fast start without having to have a long period of setting up and investing. This was ideal for a small biotech in its early phase. The Bioinnovation Hub has allowed us to go from strength to strength.