Glasgow Caledonian University has significantly strengthened its scientific teaching and research capacity thanks to a major donation of 24 advanced real-time PCR machines from biomedical company BioGrad.
The state-of-the-art equipment, now in use within the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, will enhance hands-on learning for students and expand the University’s capabilities in disease diagnostics, genetics and molecular research.
Award-winning scientist Dr Natalie Kenny, BioGrad Group CEO and founder, said: “We are delighted to provide these PCR Machines to support skills development in the next generation of scientists and to strengthen collaborations between BioGrad and Glasgow Caledonian University in the hope of fuelling further partnerships and providing more research opportunities for today’s graduates to become the scientists of the future.”
The advanced machines will enhance undergraduate teaching and postgraduate research, significantly improving the hands-on experience for students and expanding the department’s research capabilities.
Professor Linda Scobie, Head of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, said: “This is an incredible donation of 24 machines that were previously used for COVID testing. They will make a huge difference to our laboratory practical work, allowing students to get hands-on experience with setting up equipment and analysing data directly.”
PCR machines are a cornerstone of modern molecular science, widely used in genetic engineering, cancer research, forensic science, drug development and disease diagnostics. Real-time PCR allows researchers to observe DNA replication as it happens and quantify gene expression levels which is crucial in detecting disease markers such as cancer genes or infectious pathogens.
Dr Boatemaa Ofori-Frimpong, Dr Catherine Wright, Dr David Welsh and Dr Ryan Kean, who were instrumental in securing and co-ordinating the donation for their department, said it will make a huge difference to teaching and research at the University.
Students across the department echoed their enthusiasm:
Molly McFarlane, 22, a third-year Biological Sciences student, said: “I’m really excited to use these new machines in my fourth-year honours project.”
Bright Frimpong, 25, studying for an MSc in Biological Science, said the machines were “vital for gene expression and quantification work”. “Having access to this level of equipment will massively improve our experience and exposure to real lab techniques.”
Michal Bara, 25, a PhD candidate researching Alzheimer’s Disease, said the new equipment will make a huge difference in preparing for jobs in the field. “The University already has everything in terms of modern science, and this donation takes us to another level.”
After making the donation in person, Dr Kenny returned to the campus last month to give a guest lecture to undergraduate and post-graduate students. Student feedback was very positive with an overwhelming majority saying that Dr Kenny was a truly inspirational speaker.
In addition to the equipment donation, conversations are underway with BioGrad about future joint research projects, particularly in women’s health and biobanking, which are key research areas where the University is making national impact. A summer workshop for school leavers is also being discussed as part of a deepening partnership.
BioGrad has also offered a discounted residential course specifically for Glasgow Caledonian students to experience a working laboratory.
The BioGrad Group is the UK’s largest human cell therapy manufacturing site for cancer, endometriosis and Parkinson’s disease in the north-west of England.