ARC (Advanced Research Clusters) is a network of flexible laboratory and workspaces for leading scientists and inventors who are solving the world’s greatest challenges. ARC creates physical spaces that bring together over 10,000 people from 300 cutting-edge science and tech companies. Until now, there’s been an industry-wide failure to address the needs and experiences of neurodiverse individuals. Lab spaces prioritise sterile and modern looks with bright overhead lighting, open plan co-working spaces and lack areas to decompress. We’re committed to changing this by creating inclusive scientific spaces that enable our members to deliver life-changing science.

ARC’s leadership team is ensuring its spaces are more neuro-inclusive for all. By addressing challenges that we all face in the built space, we prevent people from masking learning differences, creating environments where members feel psychologically safe, can thrive and can focus on delivering life changing science, as what might be annoying for someone who is neurotypical might be debilitating to someone with ADHD, Tourette’s or another condition. It’s about making spaces more functional for 100% of the people in the spaces.

If innovation is about a better future, ARC believes it must first create a better future for innovation. That’s why together with HOK (a leading global architecture firm and experts in workplace inclusive design) and Dr Edward Edgerton an environmental psychologist from University of West Scotland we surveyed over 200 individuals in our communities to truly understand how to design and build more inclusive lab spaces for everyone regardless of neurotype.

The open access findings will be announced, and designs implemented this summer.