The funding will be used to develop advanced Diamond-II upgrade, including a new and brighter synchrotron machine, with three new flagship beamlines and important upgrades to other beamlines
A image of Diamond Light Source during winter. (Credit: Prosthetic Head from Wikimedia Commons)
UK’s Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan has announced a £519m investment in the Diamond Light Source science facility in Harwell, Oxfordshire for upgradation and expansion.
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron. Opened in 2007, the research facility is a huge microscope that emits light that is 10 billion times brighter than the sun.
This light is directed into laboratories called beamlines, where research is conducted in practically every area of science, from energy to health. It helped start the UK’s Covid drug development programme and has advanced treatments for global health challenges including HIV, malaria and cancer.
The funding, provided by the government, through the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the Wellcome Trust, will be used to develop an advanced Diamond-II upgrade.
According to the UK government, the latest fourth-generation synchrotron is expected to support Diamond’s growing userbase of researchers while maintaining the UK’s reputation in advanced science.
Donelan said: “Our national synchrotron may fly under the radar as we go about our daily lives, but it has been crucial to some of the most defining discoveries in recent history – from kickstarting Covid drug development that allowed us to protect millions to advancing treatment for HIV.
“Our investment will ensure one of the most pioneering scientific facilities in the world continues to advance discoveries that transform our health and prosperity, while creating jobs, growing the UK economy and ensuring our country remains a scientific powerhouse.”
Situated at STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the Diamond Light Source upgrade is anticipated to be completed in 2030.
The Diamond-II will have a new and brighter synchrotron machine, with three new flagship beamlines and important upgrades to other beamlines.
The UK government expects that the upgrade will help speed up the discovery of new drugs, provide real-time manufacturing insights, and open new research opportunities for enhancing the performance of next-generation batteries.
In 2020, the research at the synchrotron helped find the atomic structure of key drug targets of SARS‑CoV‑2. It helped develop vaccines that saved lives and allowed the UK to reopen safely.