Milner Institute Facilities

The MTI is a unique institute at the University of Cambridge, where academics, start-ups, and biotech companies work side by side in shared office and laboratory space. Led by Dr Larissa Richardson, our Facilities Team ensures cutting-edge facilities and equipment are used to their full potential, while overseeing health and safety in line with University guidance. Larissa – who is also Departmental Safety Officer – and her team provide training on specialised equipment and continually expands its knowledge of other Cambridge facilities to support researchers; their work is essential in creating a safe, productive environment that supports the growth and success of our incubator companies and in-house researchers.

Scientific Facilities

• Imaging (including bright field and fluorescence microscopes and Incucyte timelapse)
• Flow cytometry and FACS
• Bravo liquid handler
• Tissue culture including MBSCs, incubators, centrifuges
• Standard molecular biology equipment including RT-PCR, gel apparatus and shaking incubators
• Fridges, freezers and liquid nitrogen cold storage

Molecular Biology Equipment

• PCR, qPCR and lamina flow for hood for PCR prep
• NanoDrop spectrophotometer
• Bioanalyzer
• Tapestation
• Qubit fluorometer

Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL)

This laboratory is used by members of the FGSL to run CRISPR screens for UK based researchers through collaboration agreements. It is a state-of-the-art automated laboratory for arrayed CRISPR screening protocols. It is a joint project between the University of Cambridge, AstraZeneca and the Medical Research Council (MRC).

The laboratory houses a enclosed library dosing platform with two robots servicing incubators, liquid handlers, plate washers and centrifuges, an Echo 525 and a 384 well electroporator. We also have a high throughput flow cytometer and a Yokogawa CV8000 for high content imaging. Both items of equipment are served by a dedicated robot that shuttles plates to and from an incubator.

Other Facilities

• Shared office space
• Meeting rooms and phone/meeting booth
• Kitchenette
• Access to the building’s communal areas, including café and gardens
• Access to the building’s core services, including IT, Goods In, and Glass-wash.