New cell culture lab
News
Bath Spa University opens new cell culture project lab
Wednesday, 17 December, 2025Students studying BSc Biomedical Science at Bath Spa University are now able to experience a bit of extra ‘culture’ – thanks to a new dedicated cell culture project laboratory.
The bespoke space, which opened this semester, allows students to carry out projects on living cell lines (cultures created from a single cell) such as those from mammalian and insect origin, in a clean environment.
The lab will be used to support teaching and for student dissertation projects covering topics such as investigating the effects of caffeine-induced cellular stress on DNA damage responses and looking at antioxidant effects on human fibroblast cells. Full PPE is required to enter the laboratory, giving students – particularly those wishing to go into a research career – experience in working while wearing protective gear.
The facility comprises two adjacent rooms: one housing the lab itself and the other is the entry vestibule where users ‘gown up’. The main lab contains a biosafety cabinet and air extraction to prevent contamination of the cells, as well as ensuring appropriate storage to keep them alive.
The new cell culture lab joins several other additions to BSU’s Newton Park campus over the past year, including a crime scene lab and a mock courtroom.
Dr Samantha Lane, Senior Lecturer in Human Biology and Academic Lead for Science said:
“We are always looking to update and expand our laboratory facilities, and the cell culture lab is an excellent example of that. As well as being used for student projects, it will be used within the final year module Mechanisms of Disease, to ensure a wide range of students gain cell culture skills.”
Biomedical Science Programme Leader, Dr Hartwig Visser said:
“I am delighted this facility is now available to support the Biomedical Science and other Life Sciences programmes, as it will enable students to develop fundamental technical skills required for postgraduate roles, whilst carrying out novel cellular research projects. Embedding cell culture skills and knowledge into core teaching will also support employability for all students on the programme.”
Do you have a passion for science? Find out more about the School of Sciences at BSU.