A RESEARCH centre near Potters Bar which plays a pivotal role in the field of influenza research is to benefit from a �12m new home. The Influenza Resource Centre (IRC) is part of The

A RESEARCH centre near Potters Bar which plays a "pivotal" role in the field of influenza research is to benefit from a �12m new home.

The Influenza Resource Centre (IRC) is part of The National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), which is based in Blanche Lane, South Mimms.

At the facility, scientists develop a range of flu viruses, which are subsequently used in the production of vaccines.

However, due to an increasing workload, IRC bosses decided a new building was required and, after receiving �12m from the Department of Health (DoH), construction is now under way.

A spokeswoman for NIBSC said: "The new building will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the flu group and enable it to maintain its status as one of the leading laboratories in standardisation, control and research of influenza vaccines."

A DoH spokeswoman said: "Turning major breakthroughs into life-saving treatments and cures is the great challenge of applied health research.

"These world-class facilities will play a pivotal role in our national and international preparedness to tackle seasonal and pandemic influenza."

It is envisaged the new facility will open early in 2010.

For more information about the work of the IRC, go to www.nibsc.ac.uk