The Advance Training Centre, based at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell in the United Kingdom, is a state‑of‑the‑art scientific training facility dedicated to developing practical and theoretical skills across a range of life science disciplines. Purpose‑built to address the growing demand for specialist laboratory expertise, Advance offers world‑class courses in genetics, pathology, laboratory skills and more – supporting researchers, technicians, students and animal technologists from the UK and around the world.
Building Skills for Cutting‑Edge Research
Advance’s mission is to provide high‑quality training that enhances technical confidence, promotes best practice in scientific procedures, and supports excellence in biomedical research. The centre brings together expert instructors and bespoke facilities – including purpose‑built laboratories, teaching spaces, seminar and meeting rooms – in an environment tailored to hands‑on learning and interactive teaching.
Designed to complement MRC Harwell’s strong research base in mouse genetics and disease modelling, Advance plays a key role in equipping both early‑career and established staff with the practical competencies needed to succeed in modern laboratory environments.
Training Courses Offered
Advance offers a broad programme of training courses, scheduled throughout the year to meet a variety of learning needs. Topics include:
- Practical Laboratory Skills
- Laboratory Skills for Animal Technicians
- Genome Engineering and Validation by Long Read Sequencing
- Best Practices in Laboratory Management
- Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Animal Technologists
- Mouse Necropsy and Tissue Processing
Courses are continually updated, and new dates are released regularly; participants are encouraged to register interest via the Advance course portfolio to receive updates.
Supporting Career Development and Collaboration
Advance plays a pivotal role in addressing the life sciences skills gap by promoting practical competence and broadening access to specialist training. In addition to our scheduled courses, Advance welcomes collaboration with academic, professional and commercial partners to deliver bespoke training opportunities tailored to specific organisational needs. The centre’s facilities are also available to hire, providing flexible laboratory and meeting spaces ideal for external workshops, training programmes, conferences and corporate events.
Collaboration with CLAST (College of Laboratory Animal Science & Technology)
Additionally, Advance partners with CLAST, a non-profit course provider that delivers CPD and Higher Education (HE) qualifications designed for those working with animals in research, including Animal Technologists, Registered Veterinary Professionals, and Senior Researchers. The qualifications are awarded by the Institute of Animal Technology.
More information on CLAST courses is available at: https://clast.org.uk/
Accessing Advance Training
Advance training courses are open to the research community worldwide, with delegates travelling from national and international institutions to participate. For more information on course dates, content and booking, visit the Advance training portal on the MRC Harwell website or contact the team directly via the training email address.
Website: https://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/training/
Email address: training@har.mrc.ac.uk