Lincolnshire MEP visits Joseph Banks Laboratories

Local Conservative MEP, Emma McClarkin, visited the University of Lincoln’s Joseph Banks Laboratories last Friday.

Miss McClarkin was given a tour of the labs, being shown one microbiology, one molecular biology and one analytical chemistry laboratory, and chatted with some of the staff about their work.

The Lincolnshire MEP wants to help promote local food and drink in the region and draw attention to the wide variety of food produced in the area. With Lincolnshire producing so much of the region’s food, she was especially interested to talk to Professor Simon Pearson, who is Director of the University’s Lincoln Institute of Agri-food Technology (LIAT).

The Joseph Banks Laboratories feature cutting-edge research facilities and excellent teaching resources across four storeys, covering 6,000 square metres. The building includes science laboratories, seminar and tutorial rooms and open plan social spaces.

Adapted from an existing industrial building, the Joseph Banks Laboratories opened in 2014 and form the centrepiece of the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park, which provides a focal point for world-class science research and technological innovation.

Miss McClarkin said:

“Many people know of Lincolnshire as a farming county, but there is so much more to food production, as my visit today ably demonstrates. The Joseph Banks Laboratories are really cutting-edge, and are helping to bring world-class science research to Lincoln. This is especially important to the agricultural sector here in the county.

“I was particularly interested to hear from Professor Pearson about the science involved in food production. I am trying to really promote locally-produced food as much as I can, and it was interesting to hear about food from another angle.”

Professor Simon Pearson said:

“We are delighted to be showcasing our world-class facilities and highlighting the important work carried out by our Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology. The LIAT brings together the University’s growing research and educational activities in the agri-tech and food sectors; including food manufacturing, agri-robotics, agronomy and animal science. These sectors are vital to the success of our economy and are at the heart of our county, so we are extremely proud to be driving the agri-food agenda in Lincolnshire.”