About

Drone 'in the zone' sets the scene of our natural environment and provides
an introduction to the wealth of expertise and facilities available

Background

Midlothian Science Zone launched in October 2016 - a One Health location and a world-leading centre of research excellence in animal health and life sciences.  The critical concentration of animal science expertise provides far reaching recognition for the area and this is enhanced by the willingness for companies and organisations to work together. Collectively this brings extensive benefits to the Midlothian region and the wider economy in terms of business development, infrastructure, employment and make an impact in tackling global challenges.

Midlothian Science Zone is on the outskirts of Edinburgh, evolved from the previous Edinburgh Science Triangle initiative, and is supported by Midlothian Council and partners. Its main objective is to foster a One Health community, increasing levels of collaboration between academia and business whilst raising the profile of world-leading research and access to state-of-the-art facilities. 

What We Do

The partnership provides a supportive community and offers access to knowledge and expertise, resources and facilities, new technologies, accommodation and services, business support and networks across the region.

From Pentlands Science Park, celebrating over 20 years, established at a time when life science development was becoming a key strategy of both the Scottish Enterprise and the Midlothian Council to re-invigorate the local economy to recent major new developments at Easter Bush Campus, following a staged Masterplan through to 2025.

The University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus brings to one site The Roslin Institute of the University of Edinburgh, the Moredun Research Institute, the Animal Sciences Researchers of the Scotland's Rural College and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies – forming one of the largest groups in the world focussed on the biology of companion and production animals.

The key to the region’s success is a critical mass of world-leading scientists, the research power of its academic institutions, a positive culture of multi-disciplinary working, embedded commercialisation and enabling technology.

The People

The Midlothian Science Zone Team works to present the region as centre of science and research excellence to a wider audience, including potential investors, development agencies and potential tenants, while stressing the importance of research and knowledge transfer with a particular focus on animal and human health.

The project is supported by Partners and Midlothian Council, Economic Development Unit.

Creating a Community

An introduction to Midlothian Science Zone is featured in a Case Study by UKSPA (The United Kingdom Science Park Association) in the definitive guide 'The Planning Development and Operation of Science Parks' published in April 2022.

Our unique cluster of science parks and research institutes, creates a compelling location based within a stunning Midlothian landscape. This dynamic community forms a hub of knowledge exchange and encourages companies to collaborate with scientists, researchers and academia.

Download UKSPA Case Study

Join our Community 

The Midlothian Science Zone Community Card has been designed for individuals who work 'in the zone', and provides access to exclusive offers, opportunities, networking events and more.

The Community Card is available on application. Please complete the sign-up form and following eligibility, applicants will be advised of the MSZ Partner collection point/representative. E-mail communications are issued at regular intervals for those who are part of our community and include details of exclusive offers, invitations to networking events, news round ups and other benefits. You can unsubscribe at any time.

If you have any questions, please contact our MSZ Project Coordinator. 

Location

Midlothian is located to the south of Edinburgh, with excellent local, national and international transport links and easily accessible from Edinburgh Airport. 

A beautiful rural area, complete with rolling green hills and huge expanses of thriving woodland. Its boundaries are marked by the Pentland Hills chain to the west and the Moorfoot Hills to the south.

Midlothian's modern business locations set the standards for flexibility and affordability, and have provided beneficial new uses for land released by the demise of traditional industries.

The private and public sectors have developed business parks and industrial estates, bringing a variety of quality commercial and industrial premises and sites to the area.

View larger map (PDF)