LGC Group, a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and analytical solutions, has officially opened its new £20 million National Laboratories facility in Guildford, marking a significant investment in the UK’s scientific infrastructure. The facility reinforces the nation’s leadership in measurement science and signals LGC’s long-term commitment to supporting research, innovation, and public health.
The new facility unites three critical national science functions under one roof for the first time:
- The National Measurement Laboratory (NML)
- The Office of the Government Chemist (GC)
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) chemical laboratories
Together, these laboratories provide trusted measurement science, forming a cornerstone of public health, product safety, and innovation. The facility ensures that data and products are accurate, reliable, and internationally comparable, whether verifying the purity of medicines, assessing the authenticity of food, or monitoring environmental pollutants.
“In an era of global uncertainty, this facility is a clear signal that the UK is investing in the foundations of science,” said Joydeep Goswami, President and CEO of LGC. “This investment demonstrates our long-term confidence in the UK’s scientific infrastructure and its continued importance to the world. From this state-of-the-art site, our scientists will support innovation and strengthen the trust that every test, therapy, and product depends upon.”
Government Endorsement for UK Science
Highlighting the broader societal importance, Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, emphasized the critical role of the new laboratories:
“Much of the science that we benefit from every day, from new medicines to high food safety standards, is underpinned by the work of the National Measurement Laboratory and the Government Chemist. This new lab will ensure our facilities are fit for the future as new opportunities develop in areas like advanced therapeutics and engineering biology, helping to improve lives and grow our economy through new discoveries.”
A National and Global Hub for Innovation
The new laboratories are located in The Priestley Building on the Surrey Research Park in Guildford. Designed as a low-carbon, state-of-the-art facility, the site links national measurement capability with a thriving ecosystem of academia, healthcare, and industry. This integration creates a national and global hub for measurement science, supporting biological and chemical research both now and in the future.
Science in Service of Society
The National Laboratories play a pivotal role in delivering measurement science, standards, and statutory functions that validate innovation while safeguarding public interests.
- The National Measurement Laboratory develops reference measurement procedures, ensuring that results generated in the UK are trusted internationally.
- The Office of the Government Chemist provides independent referee analysis in food and feed sectors, helping resolve scientific disputes and ensuring fair regulation and consumer protection.
- The MHRA laboratories safeguard the quality of medicines and healthcare products, ensuring that only safe and effective products reach patients.
These functions form the invisible infrastructure of science and regulation, providing the reliability and consistency essential for innovation, safety, and societal trust.
“The laboratories here in Guildford bring together world-class expertise under one roof, strengthening our ability to support innovation in areas such as advanced therapeutics and diagnostics,” said Lawrence Tallon, CEO of MHRA. “Working alongside the National Measurement Laboratory and the Office of the Government Chemist will help align regulatory science with cutting-edge research, ensuring that patients and the public continue to benefit from the highest standards of safety and quality.”
Collaboration Driving Innovation
“The National Laboratories are unique in bringing together government, industry, and the broader scientific community to deliver national functions in the public interest,” said Julian Braybrook, Government Chemist and Director of the National Laboratories. “This new facility is a platform for collaboration and innovation to help us tackle new measurement challenges—from antimicrobial resistance to cell therapies to engineering biology—whilst continuing to deliver the accurate and reliable measurement science that makes standardization possible.”
By consolidating expertise across these three organizations, the Guildford laboratories enhance the UK’s ability to respond to emerging scientific challenges, accelerate translation of research into practical applications, and maintain the country’s competitive edge in measurement science globally.
Supporting the Surrey Research Park Ecosystem
Kelly Cleveland, Head of Real Estate and Investment at British Land, owner of The Priestley Building, commented on the facility’s impact:
“This new facility strengthens the scientific ecosystem at Surrey Research Park, and we’re proud to support LGC’s continued growth and impact in advancing public health, safety, and research excellence at The Priestley Building.”
By embedding this national capability within a thriving innovation ecosystem, the facility facilitates collaboration with universities, healthcare institutions, and private sector partners, furthering the development of next-generation diagnostics, therapeutics, and measurement standards.
Driving the Future of Measurement Science
The Guildford laboratories are designed with future-proofing in mind, incorporating flexible lab spaces, sustainable building technologies, and advanced instrumentation. These capabilities will support breakthroughs in diagnostics, advanced therapeutics, antimicrobial resistance, food security, and sustainable manufacturing, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in scientific measurement.
As science becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, the ability to combine measurement expertise, regulatory oversight, and applied research in a single, integrated facility positions the UK to respond rapidly to emerging scientific and societal challenges.
Through this investment, LGC Group demonstrates its commitment to the UK, not only as a center of scientific excellence but also as a hub for global collaboration and innovation, ensuring that measurement science continues to underpin public trust, regulatory confidence, and the advancement of new technologies.
