BAT Launches Virtual R&D Visitor Experience

Apr.07.2022
BAT Launches Virtual R&D Visitor Experience
BAT launches virtual visitor experience showcasing cutting-edge research and development activities in various scientific fields.

January 19, 2022

 

BAT has launched a new virtual visitor experience that allows guests to "walk through" the company's research and development laboratories, meet top scientists, and view the results of new research. Tourists have the opportunity to explore the company's scientific methods and progress in reducing tobacco harm, as well as showcasing R&D activities in important and emerging fields such as biology, chemistry, toxicology, sensory science, aerosol analysis, product safety, consumer insights, and plant biotechnology. This underscores BAT's commitment to science in reducing the impact of its business on health and providing a better tomorrow. TMBAT has created a virtual R&D visitor experience, an online tour of its global R&D center located in Southampton, UK, allowing people to explore its cutting-edge science and innovation.

 

Experience is built on a foundation of the best available technology, open and transparent scientific methods, which support the reduction of risk in product portfolios and beyond nicotine activities. The company regularly welcomes visitors to its global research center, with over 3,500 people seeing the facilities firsthand since 2011. However, with travel greatly reduced, virtual experiences allow people from around the world to access and understand BAT's scientific research, reduce tobacco harm reduction (THR) activities, and gain insights and perspectives from experts.

 

David O'Reilly, PhD, the Director of scientific research at BAT, emphasized the importance of research and development as the foundation of their work. By prioritizing science and research, they have made significant progress in developing new product categories that have undergone rigorous testing and scientific validation as reduced-risk alternatives to traditional tobacco products. Their research is heavily influenced by consumer preferences and continually incorporates evolving scientific and innovative developments into their products. This approach allows them to offer a range of enjoyable, reduced-risk alternatives to cigarettes while maintaining very high safety and quality standards.

 

Our new virtual visitor experience showcases the breadth of science we are conducting and the strong scientific framework we are using to evaluate and support our products in reducing tobacco harm.

 

A virtual visitor experience has been developed, offering a one-stop center for people who wish to learn about the science behind BAT. This includes a tour through the 360-degree lab, animations, videos, scientist profiles and podcasts. The aim of this initiative is to highlight BAT's commitment in building a better future while reducing its impact on public health. BAT invests nearly £350 million annually to find innovative ways to reduce its influence on public health and aims to have 50 million non-combustible product consumers by 2030.

 

BAT conducts research in a wide range of scientific fields including molecular biology, toxicology, and chemistry, driving constant innovation and learning, and establishing the company as an industry leader.

 

Visitors who take a tour of the research and development virtual experience will be able to explore:

 

Sensory Science: This specialized department helps BAT better understand consumer product experiences and decodes them into actionable insights to support product and brand development. Biotech Laboratory: BAT scientists utilize their specialized knowledge in whole-genome sequencing, metabolomics, and computational biology to provide enhanced consumer experiences. These teams also grow plants and identify sustainable compound sources. Biology Laboratory: Scientists test BAT's new category products for potential impacts on human cells compared to cigarette smoke. Battery Laboratory: The facility revolutionizes the design, development, and testing of BAT's rechargeable devices. The batteries undergo rigorous speed tests to ensure they meet high-quality standards.

 

Original link:

 

British American Tobacco (BAT) has launched a virtual research and development visitor experience, showcasing world-class science behind their next-generation reduced-risk† nicotine products.

 


Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

How Large Is France’s Off-Channel Tobacco Market? Logista Says It Has Become Structural, While the Official Estimate Is 17.7% and Some Industry Studies Put It Above 50%
How Large Is France’s Off-Channel Tobacco Market? Logista Says It Has Become Structural, While the Official Estimate Is 17.7% and Some Industry Studies Put It Above 50%
Logista France says tobacco consumption outside France’s official tobacconist network has become a large and structural market phenomenon, but official and industry estimates differ sharply. France’s TAFE study estimates that 17.7% of tobacco consumption escaped domestic taxation in 2023, with most of that volume attributed to cross-border purchasing rather than street sales. Some industry studies use broader off-channel definitions and put the figure above 50%. Meanwhile, French Customs seized 547.94 tonnes of tobacco in 2025, up 12%, showing continued pressure from illicit trade.
Sep.04
Product | JTI Launches Ploom AURA Teal Electric Pop in South Korea, Its First Dual-Color Edition
Product | JTI Launches Ploom AURA Teal Electric Pop in South Korea, Its First Dual-Color Edition
JTI Korea launched the Ploom AURA Teal Electric Pop limited edition in South Korea on September 1, 2026, marking the first dual-color design in the Ploom AURA range. The device combines a dark green body with teal accents and is accompanied by matching Front Panel, Back Cover and Pocket Bag accessories. The standalone device is priced at KRW 29,000, with three additional device-and-accessory bundles available. The release continues JTI Korea's use of limited colorways and interchangeable accessories to expand the Ploom AURA portfolio without introducing a new hardware platform.
Sep.03
Malaysia Withdraws Appeal Against Liquid Nicotine Ruling as Vape Regulation Framework Enters New Phase
Malaysia Withdraws Appeal Against Liquid Nicotine Ruling as Vape Regulation Framework Enters New Phase
Malaysia’s government has withdrawn its appeal against a High Court ruling concerning the regulatory status of liquid nicotine used in vape and e-cigarette products, according to reports by New Straits Times, Free Malaysia Today and CodeBlue on August 18, 2026. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled on May 15 that the government’s decision to remove liquid nicotine from the scheduled poisons list under the Poisons Act 1952 was irrational and made without proper consultation with the Poisons Board. The withdrawal ends the government’s appeal process, while the future regulatory framework for nicotine vape products remains under discussion.
Aug.21
Swedish-Founded Nicotine Pouch Retailer GotPouches Shifts to U.S.-Based Operations, Reaching Over 25 States
Swedish-Founded Nicotine Pouch Retailer GotPouches Shifts to U.S.-Based Operations, Reaching Over 25 States
Swedish-founded online nicotine pouch retailer GotPouches has completed the localization of its U.S. operations under UpNorth Retail LLC, with corporate operations in Franklin, Tennessee, domestic fulfillment from Nashville and U.S.-based customer support. The company says its catalog covers more than 20 nicotine pouch brands and it currently serves customers in more than 25 U.S. states.
Sep.18
As FDA Reshapes PMTA Reviews and ENDS Enforcement Priorities, CTP Acting Director Bret Koplow to Keynote NATO Event for a Retail Network of 66,000-Plus Stores
As FDA Reshapes PMTA Reviews and ENDS Enforcement Priorities, CTP Acting Director Bret Koplow to Keynote NATO Event for a Retail Network of 66,000-Plus Stores
Bret Koplow, acting director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products, will deliver a keynote and participate in a fireside chat at the National Association of Tobacco Outlets' Sept. 29-30 conference in Washington. His appearance comes months after the FDA moved to accelerate PMTA reviews and introduced a more differentiated enforcement policy for certain unauthorized ENDS and oral nicotine pouch products. The agency also plans a public list identifying manufacturers and products it does not currently intend to prioritize for enforcement under the May guidance. NATO says its membership includes more than 66,000 retail stores, making product-status transparency and enforcement boundaries directly relevant to the retail sector.
Aug.14
Canada Health Minister Says She Is Not Considering Looser Nicotine Pouch Retail Rules as PMI-Linked Group Pushes for Wider Access
Canada Health Minister Says She Is Not Considering Looser Nicotine Pouch Retail Rules as PMI-Linked Group Pushes for Wider Access
Canadian Health Minister Marjorie Michel says she is not considering loosening retail restrictions on nicotine pouches. Canada regulates pouches containing 4 mg or less of nicotine per unit as non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy and requires newer NRT formats such as pouches to be sold from behind pharmacy counters. Meanwhile, Unsmoke Canada, linked to Philip Morris International's Canadian business, is pushing to allow pouches in convenience stores and other general retail outlets. Health Canada also acknowledges continued unauthorized sales, while recent research shows rising pouch use among Canadian youth aged 16 to 19.
Sep.24