Uni and councils team up to tackle local issues

The lab is at the University of Surrey's Institute for Sustainability in Guildford

A university and two councils in Surrey have joined forces to launch a new lab to help tackle local issues.

The University of Surrey and Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils have created a lab at the university's Institute for Sustainability in Guildford.

The new lab will link university researchers with council policymakers and teams to identify and tackle issues affecting local communities.

Julia McShane, Guildford Borough Council's leader, said: "This partnership gives us the opportunity to bring world-class research into our policymaking process – helping us address complex challenges in areas like infrastructure, sustainability and economic development."

The partnership will also look at opportunities to give students studying at the university real-world training and experience by undertaking a paid placement training session at one of the councils.

Prof Amelia Hadfield, co-director of the Institute for Sustainability, said: "While our focus is local, those solutions will have potential for regional or national application, and we'll look forward to working together to unleash solutions made in Surrey for the benefit of wider society."

Paul Follows, Waverley Borough Council's leader, added: "Whether it's improving services, preparing for future infrastructure needs, or navigating the transition to a greener economy, this partnership allows us to do more, and do it better."