First steps towards better access to labs
In our Access to Laboratories workshop, we uncovered the reasons why access to lab space is such an age-old problem, and began to identify solutions.
By Natalie Dickens, Manager, Ecosystem Challenges, RSC
Lack of access to suitable laboratory space and equipment for deep tech chemistry ventures is an age-old problem, but one which still doesn’t have a resolution. This means potentially ground-breaking technologies addressing global challenges from food scarcity to the climate crisis are at risk of not getting to market. Through our Change Makers initiative, the RSC committed to addressing this for deep tech chemistry ventures.
The RSC has interviewed tens of stakeholders from the planning and real estate development sectors, venture builders, to founders and investors, and last month hosted our first workshop to bring them together around this issue. It’s become clear why a solution hasn’t been found. This issue has never been looked at in a holistic way. There isn't an easily identifiable problem to solve and therefore no single solution. There isn't yet agreement from all stakeholders on what matters should be addressed.
Our work has shown a huge range of challenges exist. From visibility and confidence in the demand for chemistry labs to variability in what an appropriate set up for chemistry labs looks like, through to the cost of chemistry labs and connectivity between supply and demand.
Through our research and engagement, we have built an initial picture of the key forces contributing to this issue and how they interlink. Our next step will be to refine this, then convene our diverse community of stakeholders to look at potential solutions to improve access to lab space for chemistry ventures.
If you work or have an interest in chemistry lab space, and feel you can contribute to this work, please get in touch.
It was certainly an eye-opening event. It was really good to get the property perspective and other viewpoints, especially on the need for further scale up space I hadn't considered before.