
In the heart of the Tees Valley, Teesside University is redefining innovation in biosciences and healthcare. Anchored by the cutting-edge National Horizons Centre (NHC) on its Darlington campus, the university is setting a global standard in research, skills development, and industry collaboration. For bioscience businesses looking to drive innovation, scale breakthroughs, or access top-tier talent, the NHC is the partner of choice.
A hub for collaboration innovation
The NHC is purpose-built to unite academia, industry, and innovation. With its £22.3 million investment, the centre boasts cutting-edge laboratories, modern training spaces, and inviting social areas. The glass-fronted labs and multi-level atrium encourage seamless collaboration, sparking new ideas and partnerships.
“Our goal is to deliver immediate, measurable impact for our partners,” explains Professor Vikki Rand, Director of the NHC. “Here, researchers and industry professionals can take a concept from bench research, scale it up, and train end-users—all under one roof.”
This collaborative approach proved pivotal during the Covid-19 pandemic, where the NHC joined forces with organisations like the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, helping position the North East as a leader in biological manufacturing and training.
Areas of expertise
Areas of expertise include: Biodiscovery, Digital Health, Medicine Manufacturing, Sustainable Futures and Bioeconomy.
Advancing bioscience research
The NHC is a driving force behind cutting-edge research that addresses pressing healthcare challenges. A key focus is on biomarkers—biological indicators used to predict, diagnose, and monitor diseases. Using advanced technologies like genomics and proteomics, researchers at the NHC are identifying biomarkers associated with cancers and other diseases, paving the way for earlier detection and more targeted treatments.
Professor Rand’s research into aggressive lymphoma exemplifies the centre’s impact. Her work has uncovered a link between mutations in the TP53 gene and survival rates in children with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “Identifying which patients are more likely to respond to specific treatments is vital for effective cancer care,” she explains. “Our findings could help clinicians tailor therapies to improve outcomes for children affected by this disease.”
The development of new therapeutics is another cornerstone of the NHC’s research. Professor Linda Popplewell, an expert in genetic medicine, has pioneered gene therapies for rare diseases such as Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“Our research is about making a real difference to people’s lives,” says Professor Popplewell. “The NHC provides the ideal environment to bring stakeholders together and drive drug development forward.”
Driving innovation in medicines manufacturing
Teesside University’s role in advancing biosciences extends beyond the NHC through its involvement in the RESILIENCE Centre of Excellence for UK Medicines Manufacturing Skills. As a proud delivery partner, the university collaborates with an academic consortium led by the University of Birmingham, alongside UCL, Heriot-Watt University, and Britest Ltd.
The RESILIENCE Centre addresses current and future skills demands within the medicines manufacturing sector, which is rapidly evolving due to advances in digital, computational, and data-driven technologies. Training and outreach initiatives include:
Co-created, scalable training materials for education and industry providers.
Digital training using cutting-edge virtual and mixed reality technologies to accelerate learning, reduce environmental impacts, and improve consistency.
Accelerator programmes for T-level, undergraduate placements, graduates, and CPD trainees to ensure new hires are workplace-ready.
Outreach initiatives target pre-16, 16-18, and undergraduate/postgraduate students to nurture talent early.
“We are looking forward to delivering a real step-change in driving the talent pipeline to manufacture medicines of tomorrow.” explains Professor Safwan Akram, Professor of Innovation in Biosciences at the National Horizons Centre.
Partnering with industry to solve challenges
Strong industry partnerships are at the core of Teesside University’s success. By working hand-in-hand with businesses, the university ensures its research, training, and facilities align with real-world needs.
Take Hexis Lab, a skincare and cosmetics company based at the NHC. Using proprietary deep learning algorithms, Hexis Lab develops innovative products tailored to individual skin types. By collaborating with Teesside University, the company secured funding through the Tees Valley Launchpad to explore sustainable biomanufacturing processes.
“Being based at the NHC is fundamental to our strategy,” says Dr. Olusola Idowu, Founder and CEO of Hexis Lab. “It enables us to collaborate with leading academics and leverage world-class resources.”
For bioscience businesses, the NHC offers a unique opportunity to co-create solutions, secure funding, develop skills and access cutting-edge facilities.
Building skills for the future
The biosciences and healthcare industries are evolving rapidly, and businesses need skilled professionals to stay ahead. Teesside University is rising to the challenge with a comprehensive portfolio of training programmes.
From bespoke continuing professional development (CPD) courses and doctoral training, to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, the NHC tailors its offerings to meet industry demands. Its CPD courses, for instance, are co-designed with NHS and industry partners to upskill the regional workforce.
For businesses, this ensures access to a steady stream of job-ready graduates and professionals equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
Pioneering digital health solutions
The NHC is also advancing digital health solutions to improve patient care. Professor John S. Young leads a project piloting wearable technology that enables dialysis patients to monitor key health metrics at home. “The goal is to empower patients to track their potassium levels and other vital signs regularly,” he explains. “This technology could save lives by facilitating timely treatment of abnormal results.”
The National Horizons Centre is also part of large-scale collaboration, playing a pivotal role in the NortHFutures hub. Bringing together over 50 partners, including universities, NHS trusts, industry leaders, and community organisations, NortHFutures will pioneer research, networking, and entrepreneurship to advance digital skills and responsible health-tech innovation.
“This project will allow us to play a vital role in sharing expertise and innovation to help transform digital healthcare provision.” explains Professor Vikki Rand, Director of the National Horizons Centre.
A catalyst for regional and national growth
Since its launch in 2019, the National Horizons Centre has played a pivotal role in the Tees Valley’s emergence as a global hub for biosciences and healthcare. Its impact extends far beyond the region, contributing to the UK’s economic success in the 21st century.
The NHC’s three-word mission statement—Discover. Develop. Deliver.—encapsulates its purpose and achievements. By fostering collaboration, driving research, and building skills, Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre are shaping the future of biosciences and healthcare, ensuring their continued relevance and impact in a dynamic and vital sector.
Why partner with Teesside University?
Whether you’re developing groundbreaking therapeutics, exploring sustainable manufacturing, or looking to upskill your team, Teesside University is the ideal partner.
World-class facilities to support research, training, and collaboration.
Proven expertise in biomarker research, gene therapies, and digital health.
Strong industry partnerships that deliver real-world impact.
Comprehensive training to build a skilled workforce.
Scientists and health professionals working side-by-side to translate innovation to the clinic.
Learn more about Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre and its transformative work at the NHC website.
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