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.

Product | BAT Launches VELO WRKS Nicotine Pouches in Sweden, Introducing Dual-Compartment Cans With Two Flavours
Product | BAT Launches VELO WRKS Nicotine Pouches in Sweden, Introducing Dual-Compartment Cans With Two Flavours
British American Tobacco (BAT)'s VELO brand launched the VELO WRKS nicotine pouch range in Sweden on November 2, 2026. The initial release features three Dual Can variants, each containing two separate flavours in a dual-compartment container. Each can holds 20 slim pouches with 8mg of nicotine per pouch and retails for SEK 52.99. According to VELO, the first release, Drop 1, is limited to 75,000 cans and will remain available until February 2027 or while stocks last. VELO positions WRKS as a platform for testing new product concepts and has introduced an online consumer feedback survey. EU trademark records show BAT applied to register VELO WRKS in March 2026 under Class 34, covering nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and other tobacco-related goods.
product
Nov.03
Product | Juul Labs Launches Upgraded JUUL2 Kit in UK With Four Pods at £9.99 and USB-C Charging
Product | Juul Labs Launches Upgraded JUUL2 Kit in UK With Four Pods at £9.99 and USB-C Charging
Juul Labs UK has introduced an upgraded JUUL2 Starter Kit for the UK market in October 2026, retaining a recommended retail price of £9.99 while doubling the number of included pods from two to four. The kit contains Crisp Menthol, Virginia Tobacco, Mango and Watermelon pods. The updated device replaces the previous proprietary charging dock with a USB-C port and offers longer battery life. The kit also features reduced packaging and retains a two-year limited warranty. Distribution is scheduled through major UK retailers, wholesalers, convenience stores and the JUUL UK website.
product
Oct.15
NAS 2026 | Cliff Douglas: Risk Continuum Should Play a Central Role in Tobacco Policy
NAS 2026 | Cliff Douglas: Risk Continuum Should Play a Central Role in Tobacco Policy
Cliff Douglas, a veteran U.S. tobacco-control and public health policy figure, told NAS 2026 that the “continuum of risk” should play a central role in tobacco policy. He called for clearer market pathways, stronger risk communication, differentiated regulation and enforcement, and said possible FDA reforms to PMTA reviews could be a “welcome correction” if they create a more efficient, predictable route for scientifically substantiated lower-risk products. Read 2Firsts’ on-site coverage.
Sep.26
Product | Philip Morris Korea Launches Two TEREA ONYX Capsule Tobacco Sticks, Expanding Portfolio to Five Lines
Product | Philip Morris Korea Launches Two TEREA ONYX Capsule Tobacco Sticks, Expanding Portfolio to Five Lines
Philip Morris Korea launched TEREA ONYX, a new tobacco stick line for IQOS ILUMA devices, on October 15, 2026. The initial products, AMANG PEARL and CALI PEARL, feature tropical-inspired flavors, Fresh Filters and capsules designed to deliver different flavor experiences before and after activation. Both are priced at KRW 4,800 per pack and are available at convenience stores nationwide and IQOS-operated stores in South Korea. The launch expands the Korean TEREA portfolio from four product lines to five, following earlier capsule tobacco stick additions in 2026.
product
Oct.23
How Many Nicotine Pouch Factories Does Europe Need? 2Firsts Interviews AIRSCREAM on the OEM Market
How Many Nicotine Pouch Factories Does Europe Need? 2Firsts Interviews AIRSCREAM on the OEM Market
At InterTabac 2026, nicotine pouch growth was visible not only in brands but across equipment, raw materials and OEM manufacturing. 2Firsts interviewed AIRSCREAM commercial head Steve Moore on how many pouch factories Europe may ultimately need and where manufacturers can differentiate, from formulation and flavour to pouch materials, production consistency and customer service. The category continues to expand, but questions remain over future capacity, consolidation and the long-term structure of the supply chain.
Sep.18
JTI Invests ₱2.1 Billion to Upgrade Batangas Manufacturing Hub, Adds First Southeast Asia DIET Facility
JTI Invests ₱2.1 Billion to Upgrade Batangas Manufacturing Hub, Adds First Southeast Asia DIET Facility
JTI Asia Manufacturing Corp. has invested ₱2.1 billion, or about $37 million, in its manufacturing site in Malvar, Batangas, Philippines, to expand tobacco-processing capabilities. About ₱1.9 billion is allocated to JTI's first Dry Ice Expanded Tobacco, or DIET, facility in Southeast Asia, while more than ₱177 million has been spent on expanding its Controlled Atmosphere treatment facility. The Batangas plant supplies the Philippine market and exports to 22 overseas markets, making it one of JTI's key manufacturing hubs in Asia.
Sep.24