LSTM reveal plans for new multi-million infection innovation and training centre
Plans have been revealed for a new multi-million-pound centre located in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool
The centre will develop the next generation of global health leaders, accelerate the development of transformative technologies, and future-proof the region as a world-leading centre for infection innovation, research, and learning.
Secured with funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), the centre will be operated by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and the Infection Innovation Consortium (iiCON). It responds to the growing need for a step-change in training to equip health professionals to deal with the global health challenges of the future, including emerging pandemics, drug resistant infections, and rapid mass outbreaks of infection.
The centre builds on LCR’s world-leading capabilities in infectious disease research and innovation and will provide a bespoke centre for world-class collaborative and interactive online learning, industry collaboration, and community engagement and training.
Located in Pembroke House, the centre will sit in the heart of KQ Liverpool and will undergo extensive refurbishment. Its external facade will be retained while internal works will deliver an attractive, contemporary space with state-of-the-art facilities with immersive and experimental technologies at its core. The works are due to be completed ahead of LSTM’s 125th anniversary in 2023.
Professor Janet Hemingway, iiCON Director, said:
“Pembroke House will act as a catalyst for innovation, bringing together industry, academia, and our regional community in world-class facilities where collaboration will thrive, and the next generation of talented global health leaders will be trained and inspired.”
“Having a dedicated space to support and enable our industry partners on their innovation journey through high-quality training, networking, and partnering is at the heart of the iiCON ambition. We’re delighted to be working with our consortium lead, LSTM, to deliver this incredibly exciting project that will future-proof the Liverpool City Region’s position as the world’s leading centre for infection innovation for this and future generations.”
Dr Martyn Stewart, LSTM’s interim Head of Education, said:
“LSTM’s mission has always been about training global health leaders of the future, and Pembroke house will enable us to deliver a student-centred authentic context for learning. Through scenarios, simulations and immersive learning we will be able to replicate real world situations for our students both in the UK and, exploiting the connectivity that the centre will have to offer, those overseas too.
“This enhanced connectivity will also allow us to expand a learning community together with overseas partners, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Working with teaching staff, themselves with vast real world experience, and with access to industry partners means that LSTM is able to offer a space to develop students who can go forward to make a difference.”
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“Our region is a global leader in understanding and tackling infectious diseases, and we’re continually striving to innovate and future proof ourselves against the viruses and pandemics of the future. I believe that the tools for battling future global health emergencies will be developed in the Liverpool City Region.”
“This new centre of excellence at Pembroke House will be another vital string to our bow, a crucial tool to train the next generation of innovators and health leaders. It is a tangible example of the difference we can make when local political leaders, academia, the public and private sectors come together to share our vision and expertise.”
“I want our region to be known as the global epicentre for tackling infectious diseases, a home to high-skilled, well-paid jobs that will save countless lives across the world for many years to come.”
The centre will:
- Enable LSTM to expand its teaching portfolio and support impactful global partnerships in teaching and research.
- Enhance LSTM’s education collaboration with overseas partners and students.
- Offer innovative learning platforms and cutting-edge facilities, including immersive reality technology.
iiCON will also utilise the centre to drive forward impactful partnerships between industry, research, and the NHS to support pioneering infection innovation R&D, contributing to the LCR target of R&D increasing to 5 per cent of GDP.
