The Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) laboratory was officially opened by UK Science Minister Lord Vallance on Friday, 3 July 2026, marking an important milestone for one of the UK’s most ambitious investments in membrane research.
Designed by architects Broadway Malyan, the new £6.1 million laboratory has been created to bring chemistry, biology, physics and engineering together in one collaborative research environment. The purpose-built facility will support interdisciplinary membrane research, helping researchers address major challenges in healthcare, drug discovery and water purification.
During the official opening, Lord Vallance toured the laboratory, met with researchers and project partners, and highlighted the importance of investing in world-class research infrastructure to drive scientific innovation and economic growth.
The 400 m² facility, incorporating SB Laboratories’ Exemplaire and Modulaire laboratory furniture systems and Ecoline fume cupboards, has been designed to encourage collaboration, enabling ideas to be exchanged more freely and discoveries to be translated more rapidly into real-world impact.
For more information about the official opening of the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) laboratory, read Aston University’s press release here.
