IN BUSINESS University enters Sci-Tech particle accelerator group
THE University Of Strathclyde has become a full member of Sci-Tech Daresbury’s Cockroft Institute particle accelerator centre.
A Sci-Tech spokeswoman said the field is vital for taking on the major challenges of the era from clean energy and environmental clean-up to industry and security, radiotherapy and other medical applications.
The Cockroft Institute is a joint venture between the universities of Lancaster, Liverpool and Manchester and the Science And Technology Facilities Council (STFC), working on world-class research and development (R&D) for next generation accelerator science and technology.
High profile projects under way at the Cockcroft Institute include a major ground-breaking R&D programme in light sources at Daresbury Laboratory, as well as upgrades to the Large ● Hadron Collider at CERN, and development of technology for Sweden’s European Spallation Source, which is under construction.
The University Of Strathclyde, which was rated first in the UK for physics research in the latest national assessment, is home to the Scottish Centre For The Application Of Plasma-Based Accelerators (SCAPA), delivering research on next-generation accelerators and radiation tech- nology.
Professor Peter Ratoff, Cockcroft Institute director, said: “The University Of Strathclyde has a long and impressive history of world leading accelerator technology and has worked collaboratively with the Cockcroft Institute as an Associate Member for a number of years.
“Now, as a full member, this further cements our collaborative relationship and strengthens our long term plans for next generation accelerator technol- ogies that advance the impact of our research in healthcare, security, manufacturing and energy.”
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, University Of Strathclyde principal and vice-chancellor, said: “The Cockcroft Institute is at the forefront of innovative, impactful research into accelerator technology, which has significant applications in health, energy and security.
“Over recent years, we have enjoyed a productive scientific partnership with the Institute so we are delighted to confirm our growing collaboration.
“Here at Strathclyde, we have a long track record in basic and applied research in accelerator technology, with a focus on making large and costly devices more effective, affordable and far more compact.
“Our strengthened relationship with the Cockcroft Institute will enable us to pursue this work further, delivering benefits for wider society.”
Professor Dino Jaroszynski, director of SCAPA, said: “SCAPA provides a state-of-the-art research environment for Strathclyde and Cockcroft to develop and apply ultra-compact radiation sources and accelerators.
“This unique environment will help ensure that our research makes a difference to people’s lives.”