A new £10 million marine laboratory planned for the University of St Andrews will help cement Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in oceanic research and species protection.
The University is to build the state-of-the-art marine biology lab at East Sands in St Andrews, replacing the internationally renowned but now outdated Gatty Marine facility.
St Andrews has commissioned designs for a new 2,256 square metre research building and a ‘smart’ aquarium that will be the most technologically advanced in the UK.
The new facility will provide a global hub for marine research focused on conservation and understanding the effects of climate change on the world’s oceans.
It will be the permanent base of the Scottish Oceans Institute which includes the world leading Sea Mammal Research Unit, and the executive office of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS).
The building will also incorporate a Public Outreach Centre, taking advantage of its location on the Fife Coastal Path, allowing St Andrews to play a lead role in furthering public interest in and understanding of the oceans and the unique ecosystem of the North Sea.
Professor Garry Taylor, acting principal at St Andrews, said: ““By investing in a new state of the art facility, we are investing in the highest quality of international marine research and the reputation of St Andrews and Scotland as leaders and pioneers in this increasingly important branch of science.”
The University is currently fundraising to support the new labs and is in discussion with potential major partners.
It will apply for planning permission for the development early this year.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Courier.