SB Laboratories has been named a finalist for Best Specialist Contractor at the CN Life Sciences & Research Awards 2026.
The awards recognise excellence across the UK science, research and innovation sectors, celebrating the organisations, projects and specialist contractors shaping the future of laboratory and research infrastructure.
At a time of significant investment in UK science, healthcare and innovation, specialist laboratory environments are playing an increasingly important role in enabling scientific discovery, advanced research and commercial growth. SB Laboratories continues to support this sector through the delivery of technically complex laboratory projects for leading organisations across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, healthcare, research, university and commercial sectors.
As the UK’s largest specialist designer, manufacturer and installer of laboratory furniture and fume cupboard systems, SB Laboratories delivers high-performance laboratory environments that support scientific discovery, healthcare innovation and long-term operational flexibility. Unlike general fit-out contractors, SB Laboratories specialises exclusively in laboratory environments, combining technical consultancy, in-house manufacturing and on-site installation to support projects from early-stage planning through to completion.
Over the past two years, SB Laboratories has delivered a portfolio of nationally significant science and innovation developments across the UK. Many of these projects involve highly serviced, technically demanding environments requiring complex coordination, safety compliance, adaptability and long-term operational resilience.
A flagship example is the University of Oxford’s Life and Mind Building (LAMB), officially opened in October 2025. As the University’s largest building project to date, LAMB brings together advanced facilities for the Department of Experimental Psychology and a new Department of Biology within a highly serviced research environment designed to support world-leading scientific research. The project was recognised by CNN as one of 11 architectural developments set to change the world in 2025.
University of Oxford Life and Mind Building Laboratory Fit-Out by SB Laboratories
In London, SB Laboratories contributed to the transformation of Victoria House for Pioneer Group, converting a prominent Grade II listed building within the Knowledge Quarter into a 300,000 sq ft life sciences hub. The development provides flexible laboratory and office space for organisations ranging from early-stage innovators to multinational pharmaceutical companies and represents the largest single-phase speculative laboratory installation completed in the UK during 2025.
Laboratory Workstations at Victoria House by SB Laboratories
SB Laboratories also collaborated closely with Bristol Myers Squibb on its new drug development and research facility in Moreton, Wirral. Delivered with sustainability and future adaptability at its core, the project incorporates SB Laboratories’ plug-and-play Mobilaire system, enabling full laboratory reconfiguration as research needs evolve. The facility achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating with a score of 88.4%, placing it among the UK’s highest-performing commercial developments.
Another strategically important project is Greenheys for Bruntwood SciTech, the new national headquarters of UK Biobank. The development supports advanced robotics, laboratory infrastructure and biological sample storage that will contribute to future research into cancer, dementia and cardiovascular disease, while supporting wider economic growth within Greater Manchester’s science and innovation ecosystem.
Further major projects delivered within the last two years include the Polaris Building at Dublin University, the £300m UCL Institute of Neurology, Oxford North and Cambridge University Hospital Histopathology.
Laboratory Environments at Oxford North and 1000 Discovery Drive, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Histopathology by SB Laboratories
Looking ahead, SB Laboratories continues to deliver major laboratory and research developments including Breakthrough Properties’ Trinity Oxford and Vitrum Cambridge schemes, Moorfields Eye Hospital in central London, Leeds University’s Faculty of Biological Sciences, and the Iversen Building in Oxford for the Ellison Institute of Technology.
Beyond project delivery, SB Laboratories continues to contribute to the advancement of laboratory standards internationally. Members of the team currently represent the UK on both the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN TC 332/WG2 – Laboratory Furniture & Fittings) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO TC 336 – Laboratory Design), helping shape the future of laboratory design and technical standards globally.
SB Laboratories is also a proud member of the UK Science Park Association and SEFA, and a founding member of the I2SL UK Chapter. The company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible delivery has been recognised by Wates Construction, who awarded SB Laboratories the Sustainability & Environmental plaque at its annual supply chain awards. SB Laboratories is also a two-time recipient of the Queen’s Award for International Trade (2016 and 2022).
In addition to the Best Specialist Contractor category, five projects that SB Laboratories was involved in have collectively received 10 nominations across multiple award categories, including: Victoria House, London, Life and Mind Building – University of Oxford, Histopathology Lab – 1000 Discovery Drive, Health Innovation Hub – Kadans Science Partner, Trinity – Breakthrough Properties.
SB Laboratories congratulates all those shortlisted and looks forward to the awards ceremony in June 2026.
