The University of Liverpool successfully achieved bids for new equipment worth over £2m in its Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
The University will receive the awards from the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), allowing scientists to perform DNA sequencing in real time; create 3D and 4D imaging of small living organisms and tissues; build up 2D images of molecules distributed over surfaces; and create high resolution images and conduct analysis of 3D cell and tissue volumes.
BBSRC received almost 100 applications from across the UK and funded 20, of which Liverpool received four, securing over £2m funding from the scheme.
Three of the bids were co-ordinated by the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences’ Technology Directorate, which was established two years ago to ensure that researchers have access to the very best technologies at all stages of their careers.
Head of the Technology Directorate, Professor Rob Beynon said: “The fact Liverpool has been awarded four out of only 20 funded proposals is a testament to our strategy for establishing and maintaining shared facilities. This funding will ensure that Liverpool researchers and their collaborators remain at the cutting-edge of technology.”
In detail, the funded bids are:
- A single molecule DNA sequencing platform (Pacific Biosciences RS II), for the Centre for Genome Research. This machine will allow sequencing to be performed in real time, capturing long-read data with superior coverage and without bias. This acquisition was also aided by a grant from the Natural Environment Research Council.
- A light sheet fluorescence microscope for the Centre for Cell Imaging. This will allow 3D and 4D imaging of small living organisms and tissues
- A mass spectrometry imaging system for the Protein Function Group allowing researchers to interrogate surfaces by mass spectrometry and build up detailed 2D images of molecules distributed over the surface.
- A three dimensional electron microscope system for the Biomedical Electron Microscopy Unit for high resolution imaging and analysis of 3D cell and tissue volumes.
