WIREDGOV

UK researchers from across a wide range of the physical and life sciences have until 16 June to provide their views on the future development of the country’s large scale research facilities. 

The Research Councils UK (RCUK) survey seeks scientific advice on the future development of the Central Laser Facility, Diamond Light Source and ISIS Neutron Source – all located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory at Harwell Oxford.

It is open to past or current facility users, as well as those scientists who anticipate using the facilities in the next five years, and will identify how the academic and business community have used the facilities to date, how they plan to use them in the future and how they believe the facilities should be developed to meet future scientific needs.

RCUK Large Facilities Steering Group chair Colin Miles said: “The three facilities offer unique capabilities to the scientists in the UK, allowing the academic and research community to conduct world-class science.”

“It is important that the UK continues to be at the forefront of scientific excellence and to do that we need to make sure these resources are best placed to meet the needs of researchers. By taking part in this survey scientists can help make sure this happens and influence the development of these crucial facilities. We are encouraging as many researchers as possible to take part.”

Located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, at the Harwell Oxford campus, the facilities provide access for scientists from a very wide range of research disciplines.

• Central Laser Facility provides an unparalleled range of state-of-the-art laser technology. Encompassing compact lasers that can pinpoint individual particles and high-power installations that can recreate conditions found inside stars, this unique facility accelerates sub-atomic particles, probes chemical reactions and delves deep into the biochemical and biophysical processes that make life possible. 
   
• Diamond produces X-ray, infrared and ultra-violet beams, to enable scientists and engineers to probe deep into the basic structure of matter and materials, answering fundamental questions about everything from the building blocks of life to the origin of our planet. Synchrotron light is an indispensable tool in many research areas including physics, chemistry, materials science and crystallography. In addition, synchrotron light is increasingly being exploited by new communities such as medicine, geological and environmental studies, structural genomics and archaeology. 
   
• ISIS uses the technique of neutron scattering to examine where atoms are and how they are moving. This world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences studies how materials work at the atomic level enabling us to better understand their every-day properties – and so make new materials tailor-made for particular uses. ISIS also produces muons for use in a similar way, providing additional information on how materials work at the atomic scale. 
   

The survey is supported by the UK Research Councils (BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC, STFC) and the Wellcome Trust.

The Large Facilities User Survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed here

Contact: STFC Press Office 0709 298 266