AstraZeneca will donate its Environmental Laboratory in Brixham to Plymouth University to ensure the lab continues to serve scientific and research purposes.

Plymouth University plans to use the site to create a global research and education facility. The -university, known for its marine and environmental science experience, also plans to offer commercial innovation opportunities through the facility via the region’s Growth Acceleration and Investment Network (GAIN).

Steve Rumford, head of the environment team at AstraZeneca, said, “We made the decision in October to close our Brixham site as operating an environmental research laboratory is not a core part of AstraZeneca’s strategy. However, our aim has been to ensure the laboratory and its state-of-the-art facilities remain in use for scientific purposes.”

Professor Wendy Purcell, Plymouth University vice chancellor, said, “We have undertaken a number of research projects with AstraZeneca over the years, and we’re very familiar with the specialist facilities available at the Brixham Environmental Laboratory. We are determined to leverage our academic credentials and enterprise mission to further develop the site into an international center of excellence for marine and environmental research. Through this, we hope to support the creation of highly-skilled jobs that underpin sustainable growth in the region.”

The agreement does not include the transfer of AstraZeneca staff or third-party work commitments. AstraZeneca plans to transfer ownership of the lab to the university by the end of April 2014.