Research facilities

Cutting edge facilities for innovative research and development​

The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh has a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities that provide insight into the biological make-up of living systems under varying experimental parameters. ​

We can offer access to equipment on a fee-for-access basis, offer a bespoke service, work on collaborative R&D projects, provide training or advice on experimental design and support with data analysis and interpretation. 

Acknowledging facilities

We kindly request that you acknowledge use of facilities in all resulting publications. Acknowledgement is also a way of showing appropriate respect for your colleagues. Our facility staff make a huge contribution to our research success and recognition of this is essential. 

Policy on acknowledging facilities

Design and Build

Today the ability to 'learn by building' through the disciplines of synthetic biology, genetic engineering and biotechnology has opened up many new research and development avenues.

Edinburgh Genome Foundry (EGF)

The only automated UK facility for the design and assembly of large DNA constructs.

Edinburgh Protein Production Facility (EPPF)

Production and purification of high quality proteins, supported by biophysical analysis of proteins and ligands

Edinburgh Plant Growth Facility

Greenhouses and controlled environment plant growth facilities including a containment facility (for work with pathogens) and bespoke soil mixing capabilities. ​

Measure and Analysis

We have a wide range of state-of-art equipment that can interrogate many biological parameters from DNA through to whole cells in situ.

Edinburgh Genomics

Offers a wide range of gene sequencing techniques – from Sanger sequencing through to next-generation and whole genome sequencing across all species, training in bioinformatics, experimental design and data analysis is also available.

EdinOmics

Offers proteomics and metabolomics analytical workflows using conventional and innovative label-free mass spectrometry techniques. In-line robotics and advanced mass spectrometry provide capacity for medium to high-throughput screening.

Flow Cytometry Core Facility

Offers high-performance analysis and sorting capabilities. 20 parameter multiplexing capability with  aseptic cell sorting technologies, including 4-way simultaneously sorting and single cell cloning. The facility offers HTS plate acquisition with support for experimental design and analysis.​

Light Microscopy Core

The Light Microscopy Core (LMC) is home to a wide range of imaging technologies and image analysis software and is open to users with all levels of imaging experience. 

Structural Biology Core

Offers a range of structural biology techniques for looking at assemblies from proteins to cells. We provide access to equipment and support for techniques including electron microscopy (including cryo-electron microscopy), X-ray crystallography and computational methods.

LEAP: Laser enabled Analysis Platform

Provides high-throughput microplate imaging of live cells in-situ, with laser-mediated cell processing capabilities.

Research Data Management

We provide assistance to incorporate effective data management strategies into research workflows, turning data management into a benefit rather than a burden.  Research Data management wiki page

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