Guidance

Life Sciences Opportunity Zones: how to apply

How to apply to have your science park become a Life Sciences Opportunity Zone.

In the second Life Sciences Sector Deal, the government committed to take action to help areas with clear life sciences strengths to grow. Life Sciences Opportunity Zones (LSOZ) are a key part of this and will promote life sciences parks to potential investors. They highlight the opportunities of the area, such as vacant lab space, land to build new facilities, or links with higher education, among others. This helps to deliver the recommendation of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy for government to support the growth of life sciences clusters.

Benefits

LSOZs benefit from engagement with government ministers and officials from the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the Office for Life Sciences (OLS).

Each LSOZ receives:

  • visits from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Business
  • the opportunity to discuss with DIT how to work together to promote your science park abroad
  • direct engagement with officials in OLS
  • the ability to use Industrial Strategy branding

Check if you are eligible

Science parks are defined as an area devoted to scientific research or the development of science-based or technological industries. This could also include proposals to transform former industrial sites into life science centres.

You can apply if you fulfil the following criteria:

  • you represent a science park as either the site owner, the lead in a consortium or partnership, or local leadership (such as a local council or Local Enterprise Partnership)
  • most activity on your science park is life sciences themed or soon will be
  • your science park is in England only

If you have any queries about your eligibility, please contact LSOZ@officeforlifesciences.gov.uk for advice.

Apply

Download this application form, and email the completed form to LSOZ@officeforlifesciences.gov.uk.

Application form

Life Sciences Opportunity Zone: application form (MS Word Document, 58.8 KB)

There is no initial deadline for applications. Applications will be reviewed by a panel that will meet on a recurring basis until 7 LSOZs have been selected. When all have been selected, applications will close.

The first panel is due to take place in August 2019. Please contact LSOZ@officeforlifesciences.gov.uk for more information.

Assessment

A panel of senior life sciences figures from government and industry will assess applications.

Government ministers will have final approval of any LSOZ. A formal letter of recognition will be sent to successful applicants and these sites may then publicise themselves as an LSOZ.

Contact

Submit your applications or any questions, including on eligibility, to LSOZ@officeforlifesciences.gov.uk.

Updates to this page

Published 3 July 2019

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