Knowledge transfer for Nature’s Laboratory
The University of Bradford has been commended by Yorkshire Universities for working with Nature’s Laboratory, a manufacturer of natural medicines and health products.
It was commended for business engagement and knowledge transfer, in particular helping the company move into evidenced based medicine. Its range includes products based on the healing properties of propolis (found in beehives), food supplement capsules and creams, designed around the needs of independent retailers, and skincare products.
Professor Anant Paradkar, Director of the Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science in the University’s School of Pharmacy, pictured below, said: “I am delighted that Yorkshire Universities has highlighted the partnership between ourselves and Nature's Laboratory. Our journey started 15 years ago with Innovate UK's 'Innovation Voucher' scheme, followed by two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). This partnership is a prime example of how academic research can be applied to the real world, and it also shows how we engage with businesses to help them improve their products, processes and services.”
James Fearnley, founder and chief executive of Nature’s Laboratory, said: “I have been involved in natural medicines for 40 years. Nature’s Laboratory was set up in 2002. I first came into contact with the University of Bradford something like 15 years ago. The company was relatively new at that point and we were trying to make that big step from ‘folk medicine’ into evidence-based medicine.
“I approached the university and was extraordinarily lucky to meet up with Professor Anant Paradkar, who brought with him a wealth of experience and science about natural medicine… and he was prepared to work with us to explore and develop the unique opportunities we have.
“The Uob has transformed our business because it has given us the legitimacy that comes from working on specific research projects that have specific peer reviewed outcomes. The University has delivered so many different resources, including product development, intellectual property, which we share but more than anything they have provided us with a creative partner.”
He added: “There is a wider benefit that comes from academics willing to appreciate what it is like to develop commercial products. For many small businesses look on universities as ivory towers not interested in small businesses but my advice to any small company interested in developing their products would be to give them a call.”
The two KTPs supported Nature’s Laboratory to obtain critical knowledge and legitimise their medicine by conducting research supported by the University of Bradford.