How Can Universities Upgrade Research Facilities Without Interrupting Research?

By HATZ Tertiary Education Team | Last reviewed September 2026

Research facilities are among the most difficult environments to upgrade.

Unlike many administrative or teaching spaces, research environments often support ongoing experiments, specialist equipment, sensitive materials and long-term projects that cannot simply be switched off while construction takes place.

The challenge for universities is not merely delivering the upgrade.

The challenge is delivering meaningful improvement while research activity continues.

Successful projects achieve both.

The question is not whether disruption can be eliminated completely.

The question is how it can be managed intelligently.

The HATZ Research Continuity Framework

When planning upgrades to operational research facilities, HATZ focuses on six key considerations:

1. Understanding Research Operations
2. Protecting Critical Activities
3. Staging Construction Carefully
4. Managing Services Risk
5. Communicating Clearly
6. Maintaining Long-Term Research Outcomes

Effective upgrades support both the building and the work occurring within it.

Why Research Facilities Are Different

Laboratories and research environments operate differently from conventional university buildings.

Projects may involve:

• Long-term experiments
• Sensitive equipment
• Temperature-controlled environments
• Specialist gases
• Critical services
• Research grants with fixed timelines

Interruptions can affect not only the building but also the research itself.

This raises the importance of planning and coordination.

Start By Understanding The Research

Before design work begins, project teams need a detailed understanding of how the facility operates.

Questions include:

• What research activities occur?
• Which spaces are most critical?
• Which equipment cannot be moved?
• What services are essential?
• Are shutdowns possible?
• Are there seasonal or project-specific constraints?

Understanding these operational realities informs every later decision.

Not Every Space Requires The Same Response

Different areas of a research facility often have different operational requirements.

Some spaces may tolerate temporary relocation.

Others may need to remain operational throughout the project.

Examples include:

• Containment facilities
• Specialist laboratories
• Equipment rooms
• Research support spaces
• Offices
• Collaboration environments

Effective planning treats each space according to its operational significance rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Staging Is Critical

Research upgrades are often delivered through carefully staged construction programs.

This may involve:

• Sequential works packages
• Temporary relocation
• Partial floor closures
• Out-of-hours activities
• Early enabling works

Good staging reduces risk while supporting ongoing research activities.

The objective is to minimise disruption without compromising safety, quality or programme.

Services Are Often The Greatest Risk

Research environments depend heavily on building services.

These can include:

• Power
• Data
• Mechanical systems
• Specialist exhaust systems
• Laboratory gases
• Water and drainage

Many upgrade projects are ultimately constrained by service interruptions rather than building work itself.

Identifying service dependencies early significantly improves project outcomes.

Communication Matters

Researchers, facility managers, students and contractors all experience projects differently.

Clear communication helps everyone understand:

• What is changing
• When changes will occur
• Which spaces are affected
• How operations will continue
• What contingencies exist

Good communication reduces uncertainty and helps build confidence in the delivery process.

Opportunities Often Exist Beyond Compliance

Many projects begin as responses to:

• ageing infrastructure;
• compliance requirements;
• maintenance issues; or
• plant replacement.

However, upgrade projects frequently create opportunities to improve:

• functionality;
• collaboration;
• flexibility;
• efficiency;
• user experience.

The strongest outcomes address immediate requirements while creating long-term benefits for future research.

Think Beyond The Construction Period

A successful project is not defined solely by how well construction is managed.

It is also defined by how effectively the upgraded environment supports future research.

Questions include:

• Is the facility more flexible?
• Is it easier to maintain?
• Can future upgrades occur more easily?
• Have operational constraints been reduced?
• Has researcher experience improved?

Thinking beyond completion creates stronger long-term outcomes.

The Bottom Line For Institutions

Universities do not have to choose between maintaining research activity and improving research facilities.

With careful planning, staging and stakeholder engagement, many upgrades can be delivered while critical activities continue.

The most successful projects begin with understanding how research operates before deciding how construction should occur.

For HATZ, successful laboratory upgrades are not only about improving buildings. They are about protecting the knowledge, discovery and innovation occurring within them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can research facilities be upgraded while remaining operational?

Often, yes. Success depends on understanding operational requirements, careful staging and effective management of service interruptions.

What is the biggest risk to research continuity?

Critical service interruptions are often one of the greatest risks during upgrade projects.

Can laboratories be upgraded in stages?

Many facilities can be upgraded through staged delivery programs that maintain operation in unaffected areas.

Why is early planning important?

Early planning helps identify risks, operational constraints and service dependencies before they become construction issues.

What should be considered first?

The research activity itself. Understanding how the facility operates is the foundation of a successful upgrade strategy.

Related Reading

• Laboratories & Research
• How Do Universities Future-Proof Laboratory & Research Facilities?
• What Makes a Successful Research Environment?
• How Do Universities Upgrade Buildings Without Disrupting Teaching?
• When Is Adaptive Reuse Better Than Building New?

Planning A Research Facility Upgrade?

Whether you're upgrading existing laboratories, renewing specialist research infrastructure or planning works within an operational facility, HATZ can help balance building improvement with research continuity.