“The team go above and beyond to ensure everything is organised and professionally set up.”
Advance Facilities
Enabling Better Work Across the Community
Advance exists to give campus and local organisations a professional, flexible environment for focused, productive work.
Advance helps organisations bring people together, run productive days, and deliver their best work. It is a facilities offer built to enable the activity, collaboration, and practical learning that the community needs.
2
training labs built for teaching
8
bookable spaces
60
people in the largest room
10–20%
off for Harwell Campus and UKRI
Professional rooms and purpose-built training labs designed to support a wide range of needs.
Flexible Spaces for Meetings, Events, Training, and Practical Learning
Advance offers purpose-built training labs, meeting rooms, conference and seminar spaces, training rooms, breakout areas, & catering support, designed specifically for hands-on learning. Whether the day is a strategy session, internal meeting, seminar, training event, or practical session, the facilities are set up to support focused, productive work.
Spaces
Find the Right Space for You
Browse our full range of rooms and facilities
| Feature | Purpose-Built Training LabsLeaden & Satin | Conference and Events SpacesCalico | Meeting RoomPiebald | Meeting RoomsCaracul, Albino & Agouti |
|---|
Testimonials
What People Say About Our Facilities
Real feedback from organisers who have hosted meetings and events with us.
In Their Own Words
Servicing Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, UKRI Organisations, and local organisations
For Teams, Organisers, and Organisations That Need Space That Works Around the Day They Are Planning
Advance works for science teams running lab sessions, corporate groups planning strategy days, UKRI organisations hosting seminars, and any team that needs a professional environment where focused work happens. Whether you’re an executive assistant coordinating logistics or an operations lead managing a complex event, the spaces adapt to what you need.
Science Teams
Practical lab sessions in labs built for teaching, with preparation and animal holding on site.
Executive Assistants and Organisers
For people planning meetings, strategy days, events, or internal sessions who need a professional space and responsive support.
Teams and Department Leads
For groups looking for somewhere focused and adaptable for planning, workshops, or productive days away from the usual desk environment.
10% Off for Harwell Campus
For Harwell Campus organisations booking meetings, seminars, training or practical sessions.
20% Off for UKRI Organisations
As part of the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, we serve colleagues across UKRI.
To claim either discount, contact the team and tell us which organisation you’re booking for.
How We Deliver Facilities at Advance
A Considered, Responsive Approach, Tailoring the Space Around the Work
Advance facilities are delivered through a considered, hands-on approach. The team works with organisers to understand what the day needs to achieve and prepares the space accordingly, rather than relying on fixed setups or off-the-shelf packages.
From initial planning through to on-the-day support, the focus is on reducing friction, anticipating practical needs, and creating an environment that allows people to focus on the work in front of them.
Shaped Around the Purpose
Each booking starts with understanding what the day needs to achieve, so the space is prepared to support the work rather than dictate it.
Prepared With Care
Layouts, setup, and practical details are considered in advance, helping sessions start smoothly and run as planned.
Supported On the Day
The facilities are actively supported, allowing organisers and attendees to focus on the session rather than logistics.
Where
Based at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Embedded within Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Advance is based at the Mary Lyon Centre within Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, giving organisations access to a professional environment in one of the UK’s leading science and innovation settings. The site is easy to reach by road and rail, with parking close to the building and clear arrival information for guests.
The Mary Lyon Centre ..
The Mary Lyon Centre, MRC Harwell, Oxfordshire · Get directions
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom · Learn more
Transport links
Didcot Parkway nearby and major road networks serve the campus.
Easy Access and Parking
Easy Access and Parking. Accessible & professional
What events can we host?
Advance supports meetings, strategy days, conferences, seminars, training delivery, events, and lab sessions. The spaces are flexible and can be configured for your specific needs. Our team works with you to ensure the setup matches what you’re trying to achieve.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking at least four weeks ahead for most events. For larger conferences or complex setups, eight weeks gives us time to plan properly. That said, we handle shorter notice requests when we can. For all laboratory bookings, we require copies of the relevant Risk Assessments and COSHH documentation to be submitted at least three weeks prior to the scheduled booking date. Contact us with your dates and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
Is catering available on site?
Yes. We work with trusted catering partners who understand the Harwell environment and can deliver quality service. We can discuss options when you enquire or book a tour.
Can we use the spaces for non-science events?
Absolutely. While Advance is built around science, the facilities work for any professional use. Business teams, strategy meetings, and general conferences all happen here. The spaces are designed to support good work, whatever that looks like for you.
What support do we get on the day?
Our team is there to make sure everything runs smoothly. From setup to technical support to problem-solving, we handle the logistics so you can focus on your event. Responsive support is part of what we offer.
Get Personal Support from the Facilities Team
Plan Your Next Day at Advance
Explore the rooms and spaces, make an enquiry, or walk through Advance in person.
Whether you are planning a meeting, seminar, strategy day, training event, or practical session, Advance gives you a clear next step. Explore the spaces in more detail, come and see them in person, or contact the team to talk through what you need.
Email
training@har.mrc.ac.uk
Phone
02045 811438
