Home to internationally renowned research and world class development facilities, The Salisbury Research Triangle in south Wiltshire offers a unique platform of capabilities in science and technology development.

The Research Triangle comprises three key organisations:

Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory). Based at Porton Down, Dstl provides the UK Armed Forces and other Government departments with leading scientific advice, research and development in response to the Ministry of Defence's future and current needs. Their work across defence research and specialist technical services, along with the ability to track global technological developments, informs procurement decisions, defence policy-making and operationat activities.

QinetiQ A leading private sector defence and security technology company at Boscombe Down military airfield, QinetiQ develops innovative, technology-based solutions and products for major government organisations, such as the UK MOD and the US DoD, as well as commercial customers around the world. Highly skilled engineers and scientists utilising sophisticated test facilities conduct acceptance testing and evaluation of aircraft and associated weapons systems.

Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response. A world leader in high quality microbiological research and testing, CEPR plays a vital role in preparing and co-coordinating responses to healthcare emergencies. They also undertake both basic and applied research into understanding infectious diseases and manufacture a number of healthcare products, including vaccines and therapeutics.

Spin out companies/incubator space

Dstl has a long history of ground breaking research which has resulted in more than 100 patents through its onsite licensing agent - Ploughshare Innovations. Their Tetricus incubator unit is an important part of the Government’s strategy for the transfer of defence technology from Dstl to commercial applications.

Tetricus offers state-of-the-art wet lab facilities which are some of the best tenant lab and research facilities in the UK, alongside specialist support to new and growing bioscience companies.

Tenant companies can benefit from exceptional support and infrastructure, along with access to a world-class knowledge network at Porton Down, which includes some of the nation’s most talented scientists.

For more information on Tetricus and existing tenant companies go to http://www.tetricus.co.uk/

Porton Bioscience and Technology Centre

Plans are underway to develop 10 hectares of land adjacent to Dstl into the new Porton Bioscience and Technology Centre (PBTC). Focusing on driving growth in the bioscience sector, the PBTC will combine elements of both a science park and business incubation facilities. Ideally placed to maximise opportunities for spin off companies and direct trading with Dstl and HPA, will be crucial to the development and support of further bioscience technologies for commercial uses.

Development plans at Porton Down

Dstl’s Project Inspire is co-ordinating the relocation of around 800 jobs to Porton Down, following the construction of c20,000 m² of new office and state of the art laboratory space. 

The commercial success of HPA's CEPR has already led to a number of small developments, as well as identifying the site as a possible location for redevelopment and expansion.

Please refer to the Salisbury District Council’s 2006 Masterplan for an overview of agreed objectives for the site, which has been adopted by Wiltshire Council as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Impact on the local economy

Plans to continue to reinforce what is the largest concentration of life science expertise in the country shows a clear commitment for science and technology research and development and commercialisation in Wiltshire.

The new PBTC will give spin-off companies and others a convenient location enabling them to maximise the advantages of synergy, networking, skills and specialist infrastructure that are essential to the growth of the science-based industry.

Similar initiatives around the world have proven the importance of research centres and their technological exploitation to driving and improving local economies.