A scientific firm focused on vaccine and virus research has relocated its laboratory to Sandwich's Discovery Park.

Virology Research Services, founded in 2017 by Michela Mazzon and Chiara Mencarelli, provides testing and analysis services to industry and academia.

It opted to move to the science park, from its previous base within University College London, to upgrade its facilities.

Michela Mazzon, joint managing director of the firm, said: “The need for space and specialist facilities to grow the business made the move a necessity. We needed to be somewhere that could accommodate our future business plans.

“A real driver of our decision was being part of an ambitious and thriving life sciences community.”

Fellow MD Chiara Mencarelli added: “We are keen to work closely with other scientists and personnel involved in the life science ecosystem to share knowledge, expertise, and identify solutions to today’s most pressing problems."

Mayer Schreiber, CEO at Discovery Park, added: “The team at Virology Research Services is a welcome addition to our science community. We are confident they will go from strength to strength."