CH
Today marks an important day in the scientific community’s calendar as scientists, researchers, health workers, governments and partners come together to recognise World Health Day. This year’s theme, “Together for Health. Stand with Science”, celebrates the power of scientific collaboration in protecting the health of people, animals, plants and the planet, highlighting the key role partnerships play in advancing research for a healthier future.
At Don Whitley Scientific, we recognise that scientific progress rarely happens in isolation. The critical discoveries that shape our understanding of health and disease are built through collaboration, bringing together expertise and innovation from across borders and disciplines. Supporting this progress has always been central to our mission. For 50 years, our workstations have been designed and manufactured in West Yorkshire, combining engineering expertise with continuous innovation to support scientists in their research. Yet the impact of this work extends far beyond the walls of our manufacturing facility. Through a global network of trusted distributors (some of which we’ve worked with for almost four decades), Whitley Workstations are now supporting laboratories in more than 50 countries.
Each marker on the map below tells a part of that story, reflecting organisations brought together by a shared commitment to helping researchers carry out vital studies across a wide range of scientific fields.
To mark this year’s World Health Day, we spoke with several of our international partners about the importance of global collaboration in enabling scientific progress. They also had the opportunity to showcase recent installation stories that reflect how these partnerships are helping connect laboratories with the tools needed to advance critical studies.
Meintrup DWS Laborgeräte, Germany, Austria and Switzerland:
“International cooperation is a key factor in scientific progress. Strong partnerships enable knowledge and technologies to be shared efficiently and help advance research worldwide, where it is needed most.” – Marion Knese, Sales Manager
The team’s recent installation of a Whitley M45 HEPA Workstation at a leading research institute is supporting studies of pathogenic yeasts such as Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. This work focuses on understanding how these organisms cause infection and spread within the human body, contributing to a broader effort to tackle fungal diseases. Through international collaboration, researchers are uncovering complex host–pathogen interactions and molecular mechanisms, helping to inform the development of new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies that ultimately support improved global healthcare outcomes.
Ramcon, Denmark:
“If we do not work together across borders (supplier, customer and distributor), we risk slowing progress and limiting the opportunity to gain new knowledge. With a dedicated partner such as Don Whitley Scientific, supported by global expertise and strong networks, we are able to deliver high-end instrumentation to laboratories and support meaningful scientific advancement.” – Vivi Brammer, Product Specialist BioMat
A recently installed Whitley A35 Workstation at a Danish university’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Microbiology (pictured) is enabling a range of studies focused on microbial communication and pathogenicity. Current research includes investigations into quorum sensing in Staphylococcus species, signalling mechanisms in Listeria monocytogenes, and factors influencing phage susceptibility. By supporting this work, the workstation is helping researchers better understand how microorganisms interact, adapt and cause disease, with implications for both animal and human health.
Mason Technology, Ireland:
“International collaboration plays a key role in turning scientific innovation into real-world impact. In Ireland, our partnership with Don Whitley Scientific ensures laboratories can access, implement, and maintain specialised anaerobic workstations, enabling reliable, high-quality research across clinical, pharmaceutical, and academic settings.” - Patrick Healy, Sales Manager
At University College Cork, a Whitley A35 Workstation is supporting research within the School of Microbiology focused on the characterisation and comparative genomics of bifidobacteria. As a key genus involved in the development of the infant and early-life gut microbiome, this research plays an important role in advancing our understanding of how microbial communities influence health from the earliest stages of life. This installation highlights how Whitley Workstations are contributing to microbiome research internationally, supporting studies with real-world health implications.
Genmall Biotechnology, Taiwan:
A recent installation in Taiwan, delivered in partnership with Genmall Biotechnology, marks the first Whitley H25 Workstation to be installed in the country.
The system has been placed at a research institute (pictured) where it will be used to analyse the impact of hypoxia on radiation cancer therapy. The workstation will support research into the development of dual-target nuclear medicine approaches for hypoxic colorectal tumours, by enabling researchers to precisely control low-oxygen environments. This crucial collaboration contributes to our global understanding of this complex area of oncology research.
Eme Science, Brazil:
“Eme Science, in partnership for 26 years with Don Whitley Scientific, has brought anaerobic and hypoxia workstations to the Brazilian market, enabling research in Brazil to reach levels of excellence. Numerous studies have been published and research carried out that not only drive scientific progress but also bring tangible benefits to public health.” – Mariana Cato, Commercial Director
Notably, one such study explored the presence of oral bacteria in diabetic patients, identifying a higher prevalence of anaerobic species within root canal infections. Conducted at the Bauru School of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo, this research utilised a Whitley A35 Workstation to support the cultivation and analysis of anaerobic organisms. Findings such as these provide greater insight into how diabetes may influence the composition of root canal microbiota, helping to inform more targeted approaches to diagnosis and treatment in endodontic infections.
Cell Biosciences, Australia:
“For over 16 years, Cell Biosciences has connected Australian laboratories with the world’s leading microbiology products. Through strong international partnerships, we bridge global suppliers and local researchers, bringing together diverse expertise, perspectives, and resources. This collaborative approach accelerates innovation, supports the pursuit of solutions to complex challenges, and transforms scientific knowledge into shared progress.” - Joe Cardamone, Manager
Our Australian distributor Cell Biosciences installed a Whitley A45 Workstation just last week into a hospital in Queensland. Having upgraded from an older workstation model, this unit will play a crucial role in culturing anaerobes in the hospital’s clinical laboratory.
Empirica Healthcare, Ukraine:
“Global partnerships enable us to provide Ukrainian researchers with access to cutting-edge technologies that have already set the standard in scientific research worldwide. Working together with Don Whitley Scientific helps our customers discover the most advanced tools, ensuring reliable and safe results, while fostering the development of medical research and accelerating scientific progress.
At Empirica, we believe that true collaboration goes beyond simply providing products - it’s about understanding the needs of our customers and delivering solutions that simplify their work while ensuring the highest quality results. We speak the same language as our clients, ensuring that innovative technologies are not only introduced but also seamlessly integrated into their daily processes. Through Don Whitley Scientific's exceptional educational P&CMAn course and series of online webinars, we bring international knowledge to the Ukrainian audience, creating a shared information space that unites students, educators, scientists, biotechnologists, laboratory specialists, and our own team.” - Andrii Kolisnyk, Marketing Manager
____________________________________________________________________________________
Together, these examples reflect the spirit of this year’s World Health Day theme, demonstrating how collaboration across the global scientific community is essential to advancing research and improving health outcomes. By combining expertise, innovation and shared purpose, these partnerships continue to support meaningful scientific progress. We look forward to building on these relationships in the years ahead, continuing to connect laboratories worldwide with Whitley Workstations to drive critical discovery.
xEnglish