Frazer-Nash was recently contracted by the Institute of Physics (IOP) to conduct an independent review of the major science and technology facilities in the UK. This review formed the basis of a report which aims to highlight the depth and breadth of research that these facilities support, the unique capability that they offer, and the value that they provide.
The facilities were chosen based on their contribution to international research, with the review based on conversations with each facility’s management. These centres of excellence, located throughout the UK, included the Met Office, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
Richard Underhill, Principal Consultant within Frazer-Nash’s Research & Innovation Group, led the review. He commented:
“The report provides a high-level summary of these experimental facilities, and the digital infrastructure available to UK researchers. The findings concluded that the UK’s major national science and technology facilities provide world-leading capabilities for scientific research and technology development.
“The benefit and value of these facilities goes far beyond infrastructure, providing a hub to grow expertise and support industry.
“These centres of excellence, located throughout the UK, are being used by academia and industry to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as generating low-carbon energy, fighting climate change, improving quality of life, developing advanced manufacturing techniques, and supporting the national space strategy.”
To read the report in full detail, please click here.
