Harwell Science and Innovation Campus has been shortlisted for Best Public-Private Partnership at the Life Science, Tech and Research Clusters Awards demonstrating how the joint venture collaboration delivers scientific excellence, economic growth and long-term societal value.

The nomination highlights the strength of the long-term public-private partnership between the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Brookfield, which has driven unprecedented growth across the 700-acre campus. Its continued expansion, global investment attraction and innovation output makes Harwell one of the UK’s most successful science campuses.

Key highlights include the delivery of more than 600,000 SQF of new laboratory space, to support Harwell Campus’ position as a central hub for life sciences, space, energy and quantum technologies. Over a two-year period, the campus has welcomed over 60 new occupiers across these key clusters, including Moderna and the UK Space Agency, expanded its incubator programmes for space and quantum and attracted more than £2 billion in inward investment.

Dr Barbara Ghinelli Director, Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus, UKRI-STFC said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted. Harwell’s joint venture model brings together nationally and internationally significant scientific research facilities with a thriving commercial community, creating unique, cross-sector collaborations that are driving innovation-led growth and long-term economic and societal impact in the UK.”

Harwell Campus has also delivered a large-scale public engagement programme through major initiatives including Open Week, which welcomed 18,000 visitors, and the Light Project, marking the campus’ 80th anniversary. Alongside this, the campus is leading the sector through initiatives such as neuroinclusive laboratory design and the introduction of the UK’s first science campus Smart Grid providing the campus community with immediate access to scalable, cost-effective energy, supporting faster growth with a reduced carbon footprint.

Harwell’s new Lumen development is also shortlisted for a further three awards, recognising its pioneering neuroinclusive design and contribution to inclusive innovation in life sciences workspace design.