14136
post-template-default,single,single-post,postid-14136,single-format-standard,strata-core-1.1.1,strata-child-theme-ver-1.0.0,strata-theme-ver-3.4,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-7.2,vc_responsive

Prime Minister visits UK’s developing Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre

12:35 07 October in Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing, Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Life Sciences & Healthcare, News, Oxfordshire, Sectors, Talent and Innovation by Sarah Irving

The Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) site, which is fast becoming a crucial hub for vaccine strategies, developments and distributions, recently welcomed Boris Johnson as the site prepares to open its doors ahead of schedule.

The Prime Minister met with both scientists and engineers building the world class facility.

“Brilliant scientists in Oxfordshire and around the UK are driving global efforts to develop a safe vaccine that works to defeat coronavirus. If one proves successful, we need to be ready to distribute it to the British people as soon as possible.

“That is why construction of the Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre at Harwell, backed by £158 million from the Government, is fully underway in Oxfordshire. When open, VMIC will be able to manufacture enough vaccine doses for the whole UK population in as little as six months, which would transform how we beat this virus and prepare for future pandemics.”

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson

 

Harwell Science and Technology Campus is home to over 200 organisations, expending over £2 billion in world-leading research and infrastructure. Through Harwell’s innovative campus the VMIC will occupy a space on the 700-acre campus. This centre illustrates how crucial the Thames Valley region is in advancing the development of the life sciences and healthcare sector. The centre aligns with Harwell’s aim to provide solutions for global challenges, in particular the fight against COVID-19.

“The visit from the Prime Minister is testament to the incredible work being carried out by an exceptional team at VMIC and amongst our partners. Their work forms a vitally important part of the national response to COVID-19 as well as fast tracking the facility to bring it online in 2021. Once complete, the centre will be equipped to provide future pandemic response for the whole of the UK.”

Dr Matthew Duchars, CEO of The Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC)

 

“The Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre is an essential new weapon in the UK’s fight against diseases, ensuring sufficient vaccines get to the public in the fastest possible time. But it’s also part of a unique health research and development capability the UK is developing through a publicly-funded network of centres of excellence, catalysts and infrastructure that will allow us to meet today’s health challenges – and those of the future.”

Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive at UK Research and Innovation

 

To read  more, click HERE.