Strathclyde joins Cockcroft Institute
The University of Strathclyde has become a full member of the Cockcroft Institute, the UK’s international centre for Accelerator Science and Technology at Sci-Tech Daresbury in Cheshire.
Accelerator science and technology is vital in the search for solutions to the major challenges of our time, from clean energy and environmental clean-up, to industry and security, through to radiotherapy and other medical applications.
A joint venture between the Universities of Lancaster, Liverpool and Manchester and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the Cockcroft Institute delivers world class research and development in next generation accelerator science and technology. It enables the UK to take a major role in innovating future tools for scientific discoveries and in the conception, design, construction and use of the world’s leading research accelerators for the future, providing real benefits to the UK in terms of economic and societal benefits.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, 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. We are committed to seeking solutions to major global challenges; our strengthened relationship with the Cockroft Institute will enable us to pursue this work further, delivering benefits for wider society."
Professor Peter Ratoff, Director of the Cockcroft Institute 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 technologies that advance the impact of our research in healthcare, security, manufacturing and energy.”
High profile projects underway at the Cockcroft Institute include a major ground breaking R&D programme in light sources at STFC’s 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 currently under construction.
Physics research at the University of Strathclyde is home to the Scottish Centre for the Application of Plasma-based Accelerators (SCAPA), delivering research on next-generation accelerators and radiation technology.
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.”
9 December 2016