Researchers will soon benefit from the Wessex region’s first full-spectrum flow cytometry analyser after the University of Southampton’s open access Flow Cytometry Core Facility secured UKRI funding
The £388k UKRI funding will enable the Facility to acquire a state-of-the-art full-spectrum flow cytometry analyser, significantly expanding research capability across areas including immunology, infection biology, cancer research and cellular biology.
Led by Dr Carolann McGuire, Technical Manager of the Flow Cytometry Facility, the successful bid will establish a regional hub for advanced flow cytometry analysis, providing researchers from academia, healthcare and industry with access to technology that is not currently available elsewhere in the Wessex region.
Flow cytometry enables scientists to analyse and characterise individual cells in exceptional detail, helping researchers better understand disease mechanisms, identify potential therapeutic targets and accelerate scientific discovery.
“Securing this award is a significant milestone for the Flow Cytometry Core Facility,” said Dr McGuire. “The new analyser will complement our existing Bigfoot full-spectrum cell sorter by providing a dedicated instrument for high-throughput analytical flow cytometry. This will enable researchers to undertake larger and more complex studies, increase access to full-spectrum technology, and generate richer datasets across immunology, infection biology, cancer and cellular biology to address complex biological questions.”
A new regional resource for research
The successful application was supported by partners across the region, including the University of Portsmouth, Bournemouth University, the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network and Wessex Health Partners.
A key objective of the proposal was to address a gap in regional research infrastructure by creating an open-access facility that supports collaboration and enables wider access to cutting-edge technology.
The Flow Cytometry Core Facility is one of several specialist facilities within Southampton Medical Research Services (SMRS), which provides researchers with access to advanced technologies, expert technical support and specialist training across the Faculty of Medicine.
As an open-access resource, the new analyser will be available to researchers throughout Southampton and the wider Wessex region, helping to strengthen research partnerships and support ambitious, interdisciplinary research projects.
“We are delighted that Carolann and the Flow Cytometry Core Facility team have secured this significant BBSRC investment, and I warmly congratulate everyone involved in developing such a strong and ambitious application,” said Professor Nick Evans, Associate Dean (Research).
“The award recognises both the excellence of our Research Technical Professionals and the vital role that the Facility plays in enabling high-quality research across the Faculty and beyond. This new regional capability will support exciting collaborations across academia, healthcare and industry.”
“This award exemplifies what strong regional partnership can achieve,” added Christine McGrath, Managing Director of Wessex Health Partners. By creating an open access cytometry hub, Southampton and its partners are delivering a shared resource that will enhance research capability across Wessex and support ambitious, interdisciplinary science.”
Recognising the role of Research Technical Professionals
The award also highlights the vital contribution of Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) to the University’s research success.
From securing major infrastructure investment to delivering specialist training and supporting experimental design, RTPs play a central role in enabling world-class research across the Faculty of Medicine.
Led by Dr McGuire, this successful bid demonstrates how technical expertise within SMRS continues to attract external investment and deliver cutting-edge technologies that benefit Southampton researchers and the wider scientific community.
Looking ahead
The Flow Cytometry Core Facility will now begin the procurement process for the new analyser through a competitive tender exercise. The instrument is expected to be installed and operational within the next year.
Once in place, it will provide researchers across Southampton and the wider Wessex region with access to advanced, high-throughput full-spectrum flow cytometry, helping to accelerate discovery and strengthen research collaboration across the South Coast.
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