The Future Estate Programme
A contemporary environment for world-leading biological science
The School of Biological Sciences Future Estate Programme is a once in a generation opportunity to shape how biological research and teaching will be delivered in Cambridge over the coming decades. As research becomes more interdisciplinary, data-rich and connected to global challenges, the environments that support it must evolve in step.
The Future Estate Programme brings together scientific ambition, sustainability and people-centred design to create inspiring research environments that support world leading science and the people who deliver it, while also contributing to the University's wide goals for reducing environmental impact and progressing toward net zero.
Supporting how science is done, now and in the future
The Future Estate Programme focusses on enabling how biological science is done in practice. It does this through adaptable laboratory and teaching spaces, shared technology platforms, and environments designed to support interaction across disciplines and institutions.
By embedding flexibility and connectivity into the estate, the Programme supports new ways of working, enables efficient use of specialist facilities, and allows research groups and platforms to evolve over time without compromising scientific quality. This approach reflects the increasingly collaborative and systems-based nature of biological research, spanning molecular insight, human health, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Sustainability at the heart of design
From the outset, the Future Estate Programme takes a thoughtful, integrated approach to design, considering how buildings, infrastructure and share spaces can best support breakthrough scientific discovery, career forging, and sustainabilty.
This includes the integration of low-carbon systems, durable and thoughtfully selected materials, and nature-positive approaches to the surrounding environment, alongside laboratory and technical spaces capable of supporting rapidly advancing science. In this way, environmental responsibility is aligned with scientific ambition, operational efficiency and long-term value, avoiding early design choices that lock in future impact.
A platform for collaboration and long-term partnership
The Future Estate Programme provides a powerful platform for collaboration between disciplines, across the University, and with external organisations that share a commitment to high-quality, responsible life science. By bringing together people, platforms and place within coherent and sustainable environment, the estate supports long-term approaches to research, innovation and training that extend beyond individual projects.
Work with us
To explore opportunities to work together, please contact:
Dr Abi Herrmann, Research Strategy Manager