‘Living lab’ launches to drive biotech innovation

The government on Tuesday opened a cutting-edge research facility, the Barbados Living Lab, designed to revolutionise medical science, enhance local healthcare services, and position the island as a biotechnology leader.

Located at the Best-Dos Santos Public Health Laboratory in the Enmore Complex across the street from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Living Lab will focus on genomic sequencing, molecular diagnostics, and chronic disease research. Its goal is to connect patients, physicians, researchers, and industry partners to drive scientific breakthroughs.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Health and Wellness Senator Jerome Walcott highlighted the lab’s potential to bridge the gap between research and clinical care.

“It is expected, and that is the purpose of a Living Lab, that it will create critical links between healthcare providers and researchers, helping us push forward with biotechnology-driven solutions,” he said.

“Through genomic sequencing and molecular studies, the lab will assist in diagnosing chronic and rare diseases, support transplant procedures, and drive advancements in pharmacogenomics.”

The facility is the brainchild of several leading scientists, including Professor Juliet Daniel, strategic advisor to the president of the Canadian-Caribbean Institute at McMaster University. She outlined its long-term vision during her remarks.

“Our vision is to establish the Living Lab as a mecca for clusters of research innovation in fields vital to the Caribbean region,” Professor Daniel said.

“Our mission is to create a unique, modular research hub where scientific discovery and innovation drive a sustainable bioeconomy. This will not only generate revenue through novel therapeutics and clinical services but also help us build scientific capacity to tackle the unique health challenges faced by Barbados and the wider Caribbean.”

Professor Daniel explained that the lab’s development will occur in three phases, aiming ultimately to transform Barbados into a regional research powerhouse.

Phase one of the project was launched on Tuesday. It will enhance laboratory services and train a new generation of Barbadian scientists while focusing on research into diabetes, hypertension, cancer, infectious diseases, and mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and Zika.

Phase two will expand research training programmes in collaboration with institutions such as the University of the West Indies, Ross University Medical School, and Barbados Community College to deepen local expertise.

Daniel added that phase three will attract industry investment and broaden research applications into areas such as medical tourism, the blue economy, and pharmaceutical development.

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Mia Mottley emphasised that this initiative builds on Barbados’ longstanding contributions to medicine and pharmaceuticals.

“For the people of this country to understand that we are not just trying to break new ground but as we break new ground, we have winds behind us,” she said.

“We have a history where medicines and medical care have been critical to this island’s development.”

Mottley pointed to Barbados’ pharmaceutical industry dating back to 1882 and its tradition of providing medical treatment for visitors—including America’s first president George Washington—who came to the island for health reasons.

She also urged young people to embrace science while revealing plans for a major government retraining programme for mathematics teachers aimed at strengthening foundations for future scientists.

“The message must go out to children in schools—keep studying science,” she said. “Be curious. There must be something about cerasee bush [etc]… these things have medicinal value, and we need to be the ones to uncover their potential.”

The Living Lab would not only advance scientific research within Barbados but also create jobs, reduce brain drain, strengthen the country’s ability to tackle emerging health threats, and further improve its economy, officials said.

They noted that this facility is expected to attract both local and global investment while positioning Barbados as a leader in medical innovation and biotechnology.