Our Story: Impactful & Inclusive Innovation


Lifefabs Institute: Our Story



Lifefabs Institute was founded in June 2024 to foster a safe and inclusive community where all people can learn, create and meaningfully fabricate with the life sciences.

As Biodesign becomes the next innovation frontier, we provide researchers an opportunity to further their projects in an interdisciplinary lab. While making sure researchers’ learning can be shared across local communities and schools to empower the next generation of scientists, engineers and makers.





Executive SummaryAs a local resident of Camden and growing up in Euston, I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense transformation of the area, where pioneering institutions flourished while some residents were left behind. Against this backdrop, Danny Chen and I recognised the urgent need not only for accessible lab space for collaborative research but also for an inclusive space. A space that bridges the gap between local contexts and expertise and world-class research, where everyone can contribute to innovation in the right equitable ecosystem.


One year on, Lifefabs Institute is that space - exisiting to redefine the future of life science and biodesign research by placing community at the centre of its work. Our unique model dismantles barriers between scientific learning, professional science, and public participation working towards blending cutting edge-research, open-education and local changemakers.


The origin and goal of Lifefabs is not about keeping pace with existing institutions for its own sake. It’s about redefining who gets to shape the future of science. I truly believe that true innovation comes from within communities, where resident insights, resources and aspirations meet with global standards and lower barriers to foster authentic collaboration. With our growing team and lab, join us on this journey to catalyse a new era of scientific research in Camden and globally, where everyone can shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs.


Digby Usher & Danny Chen

Our People & Board

Meet the Co-founders



Digby Usher is a biodesigner and interaction designer with interdisciplinary research and practice-based methods oriented towards material innovation for public health and community co-design.

A design lecturer at University of the Arts London he uses critical and creative thinking to design biocompatible public health services and orthotics.
Danny Chen is undertaking a PhD at University College London and is a representative at the WHO focusing on Medical 3D Printing techniques, 3D image segmentation and prototyping Tissue Engineering for Neurosurgery and Cardiac Surgery.

His work spans developing biomedical technologies, public health and biomedical manufacturing..






Discover our Board of Governors ->


Lifefabs Institute

 About
Research
Join as a Researcher
Workshops & Events
Visit Us


info@lifefabs.bio


Donate & Support Lifefabs Institute
Accessibility