10 Impact Report
New purpose-built insectary will enhance Keele ’ s world-leading research
Keele University is to create a new purpose-built insect research laboratory on its campus – where scientists will carry out vital research to tackle the spread of deadly diseases and reduce crop losses to pests in the UK and across the globe .
The new laboratory will be developed with the help of a £ 623,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation , which will enable Keele to further enhance its international reputation as a world leader in entomology .
The facility will feature seven environmentally controlled walk-in chambers to house a range of insects . The chambers will be fully insulated and programmable to create and maintain precise climate conditions , including sunlight , humidity and temperature controls .
The laboratory will allow scientists at Keele to advance their studies of insects and their relationship to humans , the environment and other organisms . This work aims to discover new and improved ways of halting the spread of deadly mosquito-borne diseases , and the destruction of crops by insects .
Professor Mark Ormerod OBE , Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of Keele , said : “ I ’ m delighted that we have secured significant funding from the Wolfson Foundation to help fund our new insect-research laboratory in the School of Life Sciences . Our current insectary facility underpins much of the entomology research at Keele but to sustain and build on our internationally leading position and reputation for entomology research at Keele , we need to invest in a new laboratory .
“ This new insectary will provide a step-change increase in the quality of facilities to support current and future entomology projects , enable future studies , maintain a strategic capability , and continue to further enhance Keele ’ s international reputation as a world leader in entomology .”
Pip Beard , Professor of Viral Pathology and Head of Keele ’ s School of Life Sciences , who led the funding bid , said : “ Keele has a long track record of excellence in entomology . The research carried out at Keele has provided novel , environmentally-sound solutions to insect pest problems such as genetically modified mosquitoes to interrupt the spread of malaria , and synthetic pheromones to reduce crop losses due to thrips .
“ The University has identified fundamental and applied entomological research in Life Sciences , Chemical Ecology and Global Health as one of its major areas of research excellence and a key strategic target for further investment . We are moving forward rapidly in this area and have made significant institutional investment in new research-led academic appointments at all levels in the area , to build capacity and excellence .
“ These appointments are underpinned by continuing strong growth in our undergraduate and postgraduate student numbers in biosciences in recent years .”
The Wolfson Foundation is an independent charity with a focus on research and education . Its aim is to support civil society by investing in excellent projects in science , health , heritage , humanities and the arts . Since it was established in 1955 , some £ 1 billion (£ 2 billion in real terms ) has been awarded to more than 14,000 projects throughout the UK , all based on expert review .
Paul Ramsbottom , Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation , said : “ Access to a modern , well-equipped insectary will allow entomologists at Keele to pursue vital research in fields such as halting the spread of deadly mosquitoborne diseases and minimising crop losses , both here in the UK and – crucially – in the Majority World . We are delighted to be funding this important project .”