Research Facilities

Research and development is vitally important to the future of a knowledge-based economy. Only by investing in high-calibre research can the UK produce businesses able to compete in the increasingly global marketplace, and nowhere is this more clearly understood than in Wirral.

The Lairdside Laser Engineering Centre bridges the gap between research and development and shop-floor production, allowing UK businesses unrivalled access to expertise, equipment and training in the field of laser material processing.

The centre's ability to transfer processes from laboratory experiment to robust industrial method is a valuable new resource for manufacturing industry – serving both multinationals and micro businesses, which have access to on-site incubation space. It is proposed to create a 'laser cluster' of several laser-based companies, providing a central hub for laser processing in the UK.

The purpose of the centre is to help industry whenever laser processing can boost manufacturing potential.

The Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital – part of the University of Liverpool – is among the UK’s most successful horse hospitals, with an enviable global reputation.

The hospital, at Leahurst, Wirral, takes more than 2,000 horses each year for advanced diagnosis and treatment. Clients include many racing and eventing horses.

The hospital is renowned for its work in the fields of gastroenterology, oncology, orthopaedics and neurology. The clinical cases not only give students an excellent basis for their training, but attract students from other establishments in Britain and abroad.

To maintain and enhance the quality of clinical care, teaching and research, the hospital is implementing a major improvement programme, including the development of magnetic resonance imaging technology, upgrading the specialist performance assessment unit, and improvements to stabling, and other buildings.