BAT Launches Virtual R&D Visitor Experience

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.