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.

2Firsts Hosts U.S. Market Mid-Year Briefing: Companies Need to Reassess Product and Market-Access Strategies
2Firsts Hosts U.S. Market Mid-Year Briefing: Companies Need to Reassess Product and Market-Access Strategies
2Firsts held its 2026 U.S. Market Compliance and Development Mid-Year Briefing in Shenzhen, China, on July 28. The discussion examined how state-level requirements, proposed foreign-establishment registration rules and expanding supply-chain responsibilities are changing product and investment decisions in the U.S. tobacco and nicotine market.
Jul.29
U.S. House Defense Bill Includes Pilot Review of Vapes, Nicotine Pouches and Heated Tobacco for Military Smokers
U.S. House Defense Bill Includes Pilot Review of Vapes, Nicotine Pouches and Heated Tobacco for Military Smokers
On July 23, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes Section 707 provisions requiring the Department of Defense to evaluate tobacco use and nicotine alternatives among military personnel. The pilot program would examine products including vapes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products, primarily among active-duty service members who continue using combustible tobacco. The provision is a policy evaluation effort, not an authorization for military vaping promotion or a ban on vape products.
Jul.28
BAT Regional Director Fred Monteiro Supports Spain’s Nicotine Rules but Opposes 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit
BAT Regional Director Fred Monteiro Supports Spain’s Nicotine Rules but Opposes 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit
Spanish newspaper El Confidencial interviewed Fred Monteiro, Regional Director for Americas and Europe at British American Tobacco (BAT). Monteiro said BAT supports setting regulatory limits for nicotine products but opposes Spain’s proposed 0.99mg nicotine-per-pouch limit, arguing that such a restriction could affect adult smokers’ transition to alternatives. He said nicotine regulation should be based on scientific evidence and harm reduction principles. Monteiro also said smoke-free products now account for around 25% of BAT’s Americas and Europe business and nearly 30% of its Europe business
BAT
Jul.30
Australia’s TGA Places Nicotine Pouches Under Therapeutic Goods Rules From July 24, Blocking Imports of Unapproved Products
Australia’s TGA Places Nicotine Pouches Under Therapeutic Goods Rules From July 24, Blocking Imports of Unapproved Products
Australia is strengthening controls on nicotine pouches under its existing therapeutic goods regulatory framework. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), nicotine pouch products must meet regulatory requirements, and unapproved products cannot be legally imported. The move follows Australia’s broader approach of maintaining strict oversight of nicotine products, including nicotine-containing vapes. As nicotine pouches expand globally, Australia’s regulatory approach highlights growing differences in how countries manage emerging smoke-free nicotine products.
Regulations
Jul.27
Indiana’s Foreign-Made Vape Ban Takes Effect, Forcing Brands and Retailers to Adjust Supply Chains
Indiana’s Foreign-Made Vape Ban Takes Effect, Forcing Brands and Retailers to Adjust Supply Chains
A new Indiana law restricting the sale of foreign-made vape products has taken effect, requiring retailers to adjust inventory and sourcing practices. According to The Sun, WDRB and other reports, some local vape shops are reviewing product origins and supplier information to comply with the new requirements. The measure represents a broader shift in U.S. vape regulation, with oversight expanding beyond product authorization and sales rules toward manufacturing origin and supply-chain management.
Jul.24
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
A consumer survey by Japanese heated tobacco information platform RELAZO found that rising tobacco prices and planned heated tobacco tax changes may influence smoking decisions among Japanese consumers. The survey covered 49,879 men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide. It found that around 40% of respondents cumulatively indicated they may consider quitting when a pack reaches ¥600 (approximately US$4.1), while nearly 90% expressed potential quitting intentions at a ¥1,000 (approximately US$6.8) price level. The survey also found significant differences by income level, with lower-income respondents showing greater sensitivity to price increases.
Jul.24