New ways of working
We're delivering new technologies and systems to support a collaborative, efficient and sustainable way of working.
Our Research and Technology Platforms
We are creating nine core technology platforms at Grays Inn Road to provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art equipment, new technologies and experts on hand
A positive enabling environment
Our new ways of working aim to:
- Reduce our carbon footprint
- Help researchers focus on discovery
- Get the most out of our research grants
- Make it easier for researchers to collaborate
Daily Deliveries
Supplies are now brought directly to researchers on the lab floor, and daily deliveries to Queen Square cut from 70 per day to just four by consolidating orders off-site.
LESS disruption to scientific research
MORE time for researchers to focus on discovery
A centralised lab management team
A team of dedicated technical staff in place to deliver services and support research teams with career development opportunities available for technical staff
LESS time spent on prepping for experiments
MORE dedicated staff to support researchers
Waste management
A comprehensive guide to how to dispose of your waste at ION, saving us money and helping us achieve a sustainable workplace.
LESS landfill
MORE recycling and a MORE efficient way to work
Gas monitoring
Gas inventory system installed with automated early warnings, saving time, money and space
LESS admin, LESS disruption to experiments
MORE time for lab managers to support their groups
Logistics store
A new way to buy common lab items via a UCL ‘e-shop’. Researchers will be able to order direct from our logistics team, who will buy in bulk to negotiate better prices and store them off site.
LESS admin, duplication and storage
MORE lab space for research and better cost savings
Sample Processing
A central laboratory at Grays Inn Road for UCL and UCLH to track and process samples efficiently
LESS duplication of equipment and staff
MORE samples are able to be processed and MORE time for researchers to focus on discovery
Sample Management
A single sample management system to track, catalogue and enable access requests, so researchers can easily find and share samples
LESS admin, LESS time spent locating samples
MORE accurate data, making data easier to share and collaborate with other groups
Chemicals
Using the Cheminventory software to standardise the management of specialist chemicals and make auditing easier.
LESS duplication and time spent auditing
MORE efficient processes, MORE storage space and an easier way to return chemical holdings
Scientific Vending Machines
Easy access to popular lab items when you need them, saving time, space money and reducing waste
LESS admin, LESS waste
MORE time for researchers to focus on discovery and better cost savings
Core facilities booking system
One open-access central system for finding, sharing, booking and paying for equipment
LESS duplication, LESS time spent searching for equipment
MORE high-quality equipment available for everyone
Core Technology Platforms
Ten basic and clinical core technology platforms, with state-of-the-art equipment and experts on hand to provide training, discuss experiments and help interpret data
LESS duplication of resources
MORE high-quality equipment and experts to accelerate your research
Scientific equipment care
A catalogue of ION’s equipment, with every item barcoded, so we can establish preventative maintenance regimes, call out engineers and easily track issues.
LESS admin and individual spreadsheets
MORE control over equipment and resources
Scientific IT
Centralised research data storage, MRI data handling, computational resource and expert support and resources
LESS duplication
MORE high-quality resources, equipment and support to accelerate discovery research