BioGrad has led the donation of more than £6 million worth of advanced laboratory equipment to educational institutions across the UK, with plans to increase this to £10.5 million by the end of 2025.

The initiative is aimed at supporting hands-on training in biotechnology and molecular biology, helping bridge regional disparities in science education.

The campaign focuses on universities and schools in the North, prioritising institutions within the Northern Arc, and aligns with the UK Government’s Science and Technology Framework, which emphasises developing talent pipelines and lifelong learning. Unlike government initiatives such as the £54 million Global Talent Fund, which excludes institutions north of Birmingham, BioGrad’s programme is open to educational institutions nationwide.

To date, Genesig Q16 Real-Time PCR machines have been delivered to recipients including Lancaster University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Edinburgh Napier University, and the Southport Education Group and Southport Learning Trust, reaching more than 9,500 students. The donations are accompanied by guest lectures from Dr Natalie Kenny, CEO of BioGrad, covering life sciences opportunities, BioGrad’s Women’s Health Research Biobank, and the importance of laboratory skills in career development.

“The delivery of these PCR machines will significantly enhance our ability to train aspiring scientists across a wide range of disciplines,” Professor Andrew Pomiankowski, director of biosciences, University College London, said. “We are immensely grateful to BioGrad for recognising the huge value of state-of-the-art equipment in laboratory and fieldwork, and supporting our educational activities with this generous act of philanthropy.”

The ARTIC Network, a Wellcome Trust-funded collaborative award delivered by researchers at University of Cambridge and University of Birmingham, will also benefit from the machines for training in Africa, helping lower gene sequencing costs during disease outbreaks and strengthen preparedness for future emergencies.

“The University of Hertfordshire is immensely grateful to the BioGrad group for this donation of PCR machines,” Dr Simon Baines, head of biosciences, University of Hertfordshire, said. “This will transform our ability to deliver high-quality, hands-on molecular biology training for our postgraduate and undergraduate students; positively impacting the education and skills of 3,500 students over the next 10 years.”

BioGrad’s initiative is having a tangible impact across schools and universities, enhancing engagement and bringing science to life through real-world applications. The programme supports lifelong learning while helping the UK workforce keep pace with rapid technological advancements and inspiring the next generation of scientists.