Shape the Future of Science
Advance exists to shape the future of science, both in how it is taught and how it is practised. Through expert-led training and purpose-built facilities, it helps people build real capability and gives organisations the environment they need to do more effective work.
Expert-led training and purpose-built facilities at Harwell.
Training Built for People in Science
Practical, expert-led learning that strengthens real-world capability.
Advance training is designed for people in science who want to build applicable skills, strengthen their practice, and progress with confidence. Courses are shaped by current expertise, rigorous standards, and a focus on learning that transfers back into real work.
Courses
Explore Our Courses
Find the right training for your role, goals, and current level of experience. Each course is designed to show its value clearly, including what you will learn, who it is for, who teaches it, and how it applies in real work.
Wed 18 Nov 2026
Wed 20 Jan 2027
Wed 7 Apr 2027
Wed 15 Sep 2027
Wed 24 Nov 2027
1 day
A hands-on introduction to essential laboratory techniques at Advance, Harwell. Build confidence in safe laboratory working, equipment use, pipetting, reagent preparation and good laboratory...
Alex Hardgrave
Mon 30 Nov 2026
Mon 26 Apr 2027
Mon 16 Aug 2027
Mon 29 Nov 2027
Mouse Necropsy
£400
1 day
A hands-on introduction to mouse necropsy. Learn how to perform a standard mouse necropsy, identify and record gross pathological findings, and gain confidence in...
Maz Yon
Five days 22 Feb 2027
5 days
A five-day workshop on the effective use of mouse models in biomedical research at Advance, Harwell. Learn how to select, design and manage genetically...
Michelle Stewart
Thu 11 Mar 2027
Basics of Histology
£395
1 day
A hands-on introduction to histology at Advance, Harwell. Develop practical skills in tissue embedding, microtomy and staining while learning how histological techniques support biomedical...
Adele Austin
Two days 22 Mar 2027
2 days
Designed for animal technicians and early-career researchers, this course provides a foundation in mouse genetics and colony management. Explore genetic crosses, breeding calculations and...
Michelle Stewart
Wed 16 Jun 2027
Wed 20 Oct 2027
1 day
A practical introduction to laboratory techniques for animal technicians. Build confidence in safe laboratory working, equipment use, sample preparation and essential skills such as...
Alex Hardgrave
Tue 6 Jul 2027
1 day
Designed for researchers working with conditional mouse models, this course explores the principles behind Cre-Lox, Flp, Dre and Vika systems. Learn how they can...
Lydia Teboul , Michelle Stewart
Three days 4 Oct 2027
3 days
An advanced course in mouse genetics and colony management. Explore complex inheritance patterns, breeding strategies and experimental design while developing the skills needed to...
Michelle Stewart
Facilities for Focused, Productive Work
Advance offers professional spaces for meetings, conferences, seminars, training delivery, strategy days, and lab sessions for teams, organisers, and organisations accessible to Oxford. It brings together flexible event spaces and purpose-built training labs for hands-on learning in a professional environment that is organised, easy to work with, and ready to support productive days from start to finish.
Why People Choose Advance
Expert People. Flexible Facilities. Built for Better Work.
People choose Advance for expert-led training and adaptable facilities that work around real needs. With deep knowledge, practical experience, and a flexible environment designed to support serious work. Advance helps people learn better, work with confidence, and make the most of their time.
Expert-Led by the People Who Do the Work
Training at Advance is shaped and delivered by experts with deep, current experience in their field. They bring practical knowledge, judgement, and real-world context into every course, giving learners direct access to the people behind the work.
Flexible Facilities That Adapt to You
For facilities users, flexibility is central. Our spaces are designed to adapt to different requirements, from meetings and strategy days to training delivery and purpose-built training labs, all supported by a team that keeps everything running smoothly.
Our Tutors
Learn from the Experts Defining Best Practice
Advance training is led by experts with deep, current experience in the field. They bring specialist knowledge, practical judgement, and real-world context into every course, giving learners direct access to the people shaping best practice.
Adele Austin
Senior Pathology technician at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
Apprenticeship at Harwell. BTEC in Medical Laboratory Sciences at the College of Oxford and HTEC in Medical Laboratory Science at Paddington College.
Adele Austin is a pathology technician based in the Histology lab with over 40 years of experience in research.
Alex Hardgrave
Clinical Pathology Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
PhD in Immunology, Lancaster University - research focused on antibiotics, macrophages and intestinal hormones. MSci in Biomedicine, Lancaster University.
Alex Hardgrave is the Clinical Pathology Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell.
Lydia Teboul
Head of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Nice
Lydia has over 25 years of experience of mouse genome engineering, with expertise in both classical and genome editing methods.
Maz Yon
Training Lead & Head of Pathology Services at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
PhD in Neurobiology; MRes in Biomedical Science; PGDET in Education and Training
Maz is the Training Lead and Head of Pathology Services at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell.
Michelle Stewart
Scientific Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology; PhD in Neurobehavioural Genetics
Michelle Stewart is the Scientific Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell.
Sara Wells
Director of the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
BSc in Genetics, University of Sheffield; PhD at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research on neuroendocrine gene expression
Sara Wells is Director of the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell.
Built on expertise, best practice, and support that keeps things moving.
A Shared Approach Across Everything We Do
Across both training and facilities, Advance is built around real-world use. We combine expert knowledge with a well-run, supportive experience. From the way courses are taught to the way spaces are prepared, everything is designed to help people feel capable, supported, and confident in the work they are there to do.
Best-Practice Led
A rigorous approach that raises standards, strengthens quality, and gives people confidence in the work they take forward.
Open Expertise
Knowledge shared generously by people with deep, current experience in the field.
How We Deliver Real Impact
Facilities are delivered with flexibility, responsiveness, and a genuine willingness to support what people need to achieve.
Trusted by organisations in Harwell, Oxfordshire, & UKRI across industry, research & public sector.
Testimonials
What people say about Advance
Real experiences from learners, organisers, and returning users.
In Their Own Words
Location
Based at Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Advance is based at Harwell, placing meetings, training, and practical learning within one of the UK’s leading scientific settings. The environment is professional, quiet, and easy to access, giving teams and learners a place that supports focus from the moment they arrive.
The Impact We're Making in Science Training and Research Support
Better skills, better science, and a stronger environment for learning, collaboration, and progress.
Since opening in 2021, we’ve trained hundreds of researchers and educators across the UK. Our facilities support active science and professional development. These numbers reflect our commitment to raising the standard of science.
50+
Courses Delivered
Helping learners build practical skills they can apply in real scientific work.
6
Expert Tutors
Bringing deep, current expertise into the training room.
350+
People Trained
Building capability, confidence, and stronger scientific practice.
18
Countries Represented
Reflecting the reach and relevance of Advance training across the scientific community.
Questions
Clear answers about training, facilities, and working with Advance.
Who are these courses for?
Advance courses are designed for technicians, researchers, scientists, and educators at all career stages.
Do I need prior experience?
No. Courses are structured for different experience levels, from foundational to advanced. Each course page shows who it’s for and what background helps, so you can find the right fit for where you are now.
Who teaches the courses?
Experts with deep, current experience in their field. Our tutors bring published research, active practice, and real-world judgment into every course, giving you direct access to the people shaping best practice.
Can I register if dates aren't live?
Yes. Register interest on any course page and we’ll confirm availability, discuss timing that works for you, and send booking details when dates are confirmed.
What spaces can I book?
Purpose-built training labs for hands-on work, meeting rooms for strategy days and workshops, and seminar spaces for conferences and larger events. Each is equipped and ready for professional use.
Can I book for internal meetings?
Absolutely. Our spaces work well for team meetings, strategy days, workshops, and professional development events. We support whatever you need to accomplish in a focused, well-organised environment.
Do I need to be a science organisation?
No. While our spaces are built for science-related work, we support campus and local organisations across sectors. If you need a professional, well-run environment, we can help.
Can I visit before booking?
Yes. Book a tour and see the spaces in person. Our team will show you what’s available and discuss how we can support your specific needs.
How do I make an enquiry?
Use our facilities enquiry form to tell us what you need—dates, space, type, group size, and any special requirements. Our team will confirm availability and work with you from there.
Need More Help?
Reach out to our team directly.
Take the next step with Advance
Browse courses that match your level, see the spaces where work happens, or talk with our team about what you need.
