Our facilities span three dedicated buildings and the surrounding campus grounds, providing students and researchers with access to state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist equipment, and vibrant ecological study environments.
Students and researchers benefit from hands-on access to advanced instrumentation, including our dedicated Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy suite (JEOL imaging centre), open to both internal users and external partners. We also host four fully equipped cell culture suites within our new £17 million Life Sciences Building, one of which is designed specifically for undergraduate training.
For ecological and plant-based research, our facilities include dedicated growing facilities such as growth tents, 24 mini-greenhouses and a long-term drought exclusion experiment, supporting innovative work in plant physiology and ecosystem ecology. Our Green Flag–awarded campus offers extensive natural habitats, grasslands, ponds, and woodland, providing a living laboratory for ecological research, biodiversity monitoring, and field-based learning.
Our laboratories are equipped with a wide range of analytical and molecular instruments to support research and teaching in biology and ecology.
JEOL imaging centre
The Edge Hill University JEOL imaging centre provides access to facilities and services in both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The centre is available to internal and external users from a range of backgrounds.
Our Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) system enables precise identification, quantification, and sorting of cells based on multiple markers. Ideal for immunology, cell biology, and clinical research, this high-throughput system offers exceptional sensitivity and accuracy.
Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
For routine amplification needs, our PCR machines provide reliable performance for applications such as cloning, genotyping, and diagnostic assays.
Conventional PCR
For routine amplification needs, our PCR machines provide reliable performance for applications such as cloning, genotyping, and diagnostic assays.
Electrophoresis
We offer high-quality gel electrophoresis systems – both agarose and polyacrylamide – supported by advanced imaging tools for precise visualisation of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Qubit Fluorometer
Our Qubit Fluorometer enables sensitive, accurate quantification of DNA, RNA, and proteins using fluorescent dyes. Designed for low-concentration samples, it provides quick and reliable results with minimal sample use.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Our HPLC systems support detailed separation and quantification of complex biochemical mixtures. Widely used in biochemistry and pharmaceutical research, they’re ideal for compound identification, purity testing, and quality control.
Gas Chromatography (GC)
Our GC systems, equipped with sensitive detectors, enable analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Applications include environmental monitoring, food safety, and chemical research.
Microplate Reader (96-Well Format)
The 96-well microplate reader allows rapid measurement of absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence, supporting enzyme assays, cell viability tests, nucleic acid quantification, and drug screening. Its intuitive software ensures efficient data collection and analysis for high-throughput workflows.
Growth tents and mini-greenhouses
Our facility includes dedicated mini greenhouses built to test and refine innovative glass coating materials. These controlled environments enable side-by-side comparison of coatings under natural light and real-world growing conditions. By monitoring temperature, humidity, and crop performance, researchers can assess how new coatings improve light transmission, reduce energy loss, and enhance plant productivity throughout the growing season.
Visit the department
Come and see our facilities for yourself by visiting us at our next open day.
