Cutting-edge Cambridge – the frontier of physics and science in England

Well-known as a world-famous hub of academic activity, Cambridge is naturally home to a variety of colleges and facilities dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding in all areas of study. The city has long been a centre of scientific excellence – from the Cavendish Laboratory Cambridge to the Sir William Dunn Institute of Biochemistry. Here we share some of Cambridge’s most significant scientific discoveries over the years celebrating its long and illustrious history as a place of earth-shattering insight and cutting-edge research.

Discovery of the electron

The Cavendish Laboratory Cambridge has long been a centre associated with ground-breaking discoveries – one of which was made by renowned Cavendish Professor of Physics J.J Thomson. In 1897 he discovered the electron, a breakthrough that laid the foundations for modern physics – including the development of electronics and computer technology.

Splitting the atom

In 1922 Cavendish Laboratory’s John Cockcroft and Ernest Walton split the atom for the first time – giving birth to the study of nuclear physics. Without this discovery nuclear power simply wouldn’t be a possibility. 

Development of magic bullet drugs

So-called ‘magic bullet’ drugs travel straight to the source of serious diseases such as cancer to fight them on a cellular level. This revolutionised many aspects of drug design and promises to save many lives in the future – a significant breakthrough promising to combat a variety of illnesses.

The foundations for Newton’s gravitational theory

Newton’s gravitational theory was greatly influenced by discoveries made in Cambridge as early as 1675. John Flamsteed (also known as Astronomer Royal) provided data used by Newton to verify his ground-breaking theory. This has since provided the basis for our understanding of the earth and life on the planet as we know it – as well as the relationship between us and other planets in the solar system.

Making the most of lab relocation from a marketing perspective

Lab moves are often facilitated for positive reasons – signifying progression, expansion or an exciting new chapter in the history of a laboratory facility or organisation. Despite this few remember to make the most of their lab relocation from a marketing perspective – maximising the benefits of the move and ensuring your lab and the work you do is more well-known, possibly resulting in greater exposure designed to open up investment opportunities and secure important press coverage in industry publications and beyond. Here we share three ways to maximise the marketing potential of your upcoming lab relocation.

Outline and communicate the benefits of the move

Start by setting out the benefits associated with the move. Why is it happening? What will it achieve? How will it improve service delivery? Are you moving on to bigger and better premises? Perhaps you are joining forces with another high-profile team for an exciting collaboration designed to make waves in the industry. This is especially important when there is a negative motivation behind the move or controversial aspect to the relocation. Spinning the situation in your favour will help outsiders to see the changes in a positive light – but it may also help you to get staff and investors on board where disagreement or trepidation are concerned.

Announce in advance to secure press coverage

Press coverage is notoriously difficult to secure if you aren’t prepared. Start by compiling your list of benefits into a succinct, comprehensive document designed to attract and excite journalists. Make a carbon copy then tweak according to the publication you are aiming for. For example, if your breakthrough in cosmetic research affects both the industry and the consumer, compile a press release that focuses on the technical and scientific aspects and achievements for industry press, and a piece aimed at the benefits for the end user to satisfy mainstream publications. If this is of significant importance to you it’s well worth hiring a PR firm with industry experience to manage the marketing and print promotion aspect on your behalf.

Chart the lab move on social media

If your company or organisation uses social media, be sure to announce the move then chart its progress across all platforms. This keeps followers involved and informed and can encourage heightened interest from various groups. Share images and video media from start to finish and don’t be afraid to be creative – building up to the point where you can share and show off the end result.

Is used medical laboratory equipment an efficient way to save funds?

Once upon a time labs found themselves in a race to invest in the latest new equipment, often facilitating full refits to ensure enhanced profitability and productivity. But since the economic downturn of 2008 and its impact on many organisations seen as carrying out ‘non-essential’ research, now many facilities are turning to used medical laboratory equipment where appropriate as a way to conserve vital funds and continue their important research. Here we investigate the pros and cons of purchasing used medical laboratory equipment and offer tips to help you to maximise the benefits of second-hand shopping.

Used equipment offers a cost-effective and savvy way to restock and replace old machines

Adopting an ‘out with the old and in with the nearly new’ is a great way to increase the productivity of your lab and save money at the same time. Often it has been used very little or fully reconditioned and repurposed for second-hand use. This means that small yet significant items such as centrifuges, incubators and sterilisers that are perfectly functional can be purchased at a fraction of the price of what they can be bought for brand new. 

Consider how crucial this piece of equipment is, and how frequently it will be used

It’s true that used medical laboratory equipment won’t always be a perfect fit or a savvy choice in every instance. If you need something that’s going to last for years to come, or will incorporate the latest technology, you’re unlikely to find something that suits your requirements on the second-hand market. Consider how the equipment will be used and why it is needed before deciding to investigate used options.

Ask for independent guidance

If this isn’t your area of expertise it’s well worth consulting colleagues to find someone who does understand the merits of used lab equipment and knows what to look for. They will guide and advise you using their individual expertise and can circumvent any crucial errors that could end up costing money rather than saving vital funds.

How to choose a dangerous goods specialist to suit your needs

With so many dangerous goods specialists out there how can you be sure that you can choose one that perfectly suits your needs? Finding the perfect partner during your lab relocation or equipment move can be as easy as one, two, three.

What are your needs?

First things first, it’s necessary to establish what you actually need your dangerous goods specialist to support you with. What’s going on right now that dictates a need for specialist intervention? How is this going to affect your business or organisation? Why do you need a dangerous goods specialist on board, and what do you need them to help with specifically? Perhaps it’s the entire process – or certain portions of it that you require assistance with. Writing down exactly what you need and forming it into a firm, comprehensive brief is a sure-fire way to ensure you’ll find and hire a dangerous goods specialist suited to your requirements.

How much do you have to spend?  

Budget will dictate how you spend your money and who and what you can afford. It may not be possible to achieve a fully managed project if you don’t have the funds to support it – and you’ll need to be prepared for that. Reputable dangerous goods specialists will offer a fair price for the work they do – a cost which reflects the level of accuracy and knowledge required to safely handle and manage the materials they work with. Be sure to bear this in mind when setting out how much you have to spend.

Search for companies with experience and expertise to suit your requirements  

Dangerous goods specialists should be well-versed across the board when it comes to handling, managing and moving hazardous substances and items – but some companies talk the talk and don’t walk the walk. Be sure to search for and select a company that has specific experience and expertise in your area of concern. Failing to do so could mean your move or relocation ends in disaster.

Five tips to ensure compliance during dangerous goods management

Compliance can be a troublesome issue during any process or project that doesn’t fall in line with normal operation. At best non-compliance could land you a hefty fine – at worst it could cause a full-scale emergency depending on the type of substances you’re dealing with. Here we share four key tips to help you to ensure compliancy in all situations.

Plan the process well in advance

If you’re going to be doing something you wouldn’t normally do which involves dangerous goods or hazardous substances, it’s important to be prepared. You may need to do things differently, hire extra staff or help, or purchase products or items to help you to stay compliant. If you leave things until the last minute you may not be able to arrange this, heightening the chance of non-compliancy. Compliancy starts with preparation – so begin by learning about the specifics and recommended best practice and how your upcoming move, relocation or rearrangement could affect safety and security.

Be specific in line with your workplace and requirements

The important thing to remember when it comes to dangerous goods management is that different regulations and guidelines apply depending on what you are dealing with. Start by listing every substance or item you feel you’ll need special provision for or support with, then go through them in turn researching the relevant regulations for each. Some may interact with each other and therefore may need an even more specific type of dangerous goods management or provision.

Ensure prep is in place and daily processes are compliant with help from a consultant

Any occasion that demands extra attention or specific guidance presents a perfect opportunity for you to review and refresh the processes and guidelines you currently have in place. Are you fully up to date? Are there any areas you could improve upon? Has anything changed which could mean you now need to look again at how you manage dangerous goods? You may like to call in a consultant to help you with this, as they can review your lab or facility in a comprehensive manner and make recommendations. They can also implement change where required.

Enlist specialist support where needed 

Although staff handling and working with dangerous goods on a daily basis should have some level of training to ensure that they are compliant at all times, they may not know how to respond when faced with an unusual situation or project. This is especially true where lab moves and relocations are concerned, as there are many individual aspects to think about. Enlist professional support from fully trained, accredited dangerous goods removals experts, who will guide and manage the process from start to finish.