- Construction of the centre begins in 2023 and is expected to be operational by 2025.
- The facility will focus on mRNA vaccine R&D and manufacturing.
- Merit will construct the clinical biomarker laboratory, and IPS will fit out the manufacturing facility.
- The investment will create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation.
Project Overview
Moderna has selected Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire for its new Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC). This decision follows a ten-year strategic partnership with the UK government, announced in December 2022.
Facility Details
The MITC will include research, development, and manufacturing facilities aimed at providing mRNA vaccines for various respiratory diseases, pending regulatory approval. The centre will feature a clinical biomarker laboratory constructed by Merit and a Drug Substance and Manufacturing facility fitted out by IPS.
Timeline and Job Creation
Construction is set to begin in 2023, with the facility expected to be operational by 2025, subject to local planning and necessary approvals. The project is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs during both the construction and operational phases.
Key Statements
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay highlighted that the new centre will provide NHS patients with cutting-edge mRNA vaccines and create jobs. Minister for Investment Dominic Johnson emphasized the partnership's role in boosting economic growth and supporting the NHS. Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, noted the centre's importance in strengthening vaccine development and research capabilities in the UK.
Harwell Campus
Harwell Campus is a leading science and innovation hub in the UK, home to £3bn national facilities and 6,000 professionals. The campus hosts over 70 life science organizations and features Europe's largest collection of open-access, publicly funded scientific facilities.
