ARC Group's Director of Ecosystems joins 'Global Science Cities' this April

Image: Sebastian Johnson of Advanced Research Clusters - courtesy ARC Group

Future Cities Forum is delighted that Sebastian Johnston, Director of Ecosystems at ARC Group, will be contributing to our 'Global Science Cities' forum at The Oxford Science Park this April - joining speakers from Stockholm Science City, Innovation District Copenhagen, Thomas White Oxford and Exeter College Oxford.

At ARC, (Advanced Research Clusters), Europe’s leading network of science and innovation clusters, Sebastian is driving the continued expansion of ARC’s cluster network, by building connections with future members across Oxfordshire and the Golden Triangle. ARC’s network currently consists of over 300 leading science and innovation organisations across the life sciences, space, energy and quantum sectors.

Sebastian previously worked at OxLEP, where he was head of innovation and inward investment. This saw him working alongside Government and local partners to develop an Internationalisation Strategy and Delivery Plan for Oxfordshire promoting the world-class innovation, assets and skills available across the county.

ARC’s growth strategy across its Harwell and Oxford Cowley campuses reflects demand for high-quality innovation space, and could see the current 600,000 sq. ft Oxford Cowley space double in size as it brings new laboratories, offices, amenities, and cutting-edge R&D facilities to the campus.

ARC has launched Motherlabs Oxford, a new life sciences accelerator space at its ARC Oxford Campus, designed to support the next generation of spinouts and early-stage companies emerging from the city’s world-leading research base.

According to ARC, Oxford’s spin-out ecosystem has expanded rapidly over the past decade. An analyses by Onward* found that the number of companies formed from Oxford University research has increased by 166%, alongside a 687% rise in capital raised underlining growing demand for specialist space that can support companies at the earliest stages of growth.

Opening in June 2026, Motherlabs Oxford will provide CL2 laboratories, ranging from 800 to 1,200 SQF, fully fitted and ready to move into, with dedicated write-up space and access to critical shared infrastructure.

Following ARC’s industry first research on neuro-inclusive lab design, Motherlabs Oxford has been designed to incorporate neuro-inclusive features to ensure the lab environment nurtures creativity, collaboration and scientific problem-solving, supporting Oxford based founders as they move from research to commercial impact.

Companies will also benefit from shared facilities and specialist lab support services, including equipment sterilisation and clinical waste management, reducing operational overheads and allowing teams to focus on advancing their science.