Diamond Introduces Itself to Industry

DiamondLight Source Ltd, the synchrotron and research facility has announced the schedule to open in early 2007, opened its doors to a selection of industries on December 6th.

The purpose of the industry day was to introduce a wide selection of sectors to the research capabilities of the Diamond synchrotron, and to engage with industry on how to ensure its research services meet expectations.

Industry representatives from engineering, aerospace, biosciences, food research, environmental, IT hardware, automotive, chemicals, and electronics sectors attended the day.

Diamond plans to attract industrial users through the quality of the photon beam it will have and the high levels of service and expertise that researchers will be able to tap into.

According to Sir David Cooksey, Chairman of Diamond, "I have very high expectations for this facility."

"This is the first step for dialogue between Diamond and industry. The facility must be geared up to provide a service for industry that is second to none. We will be the partner of choice for industrial users."

In the field of drug discovery, researchers are able to look at body tissues at the atomic level. Diseases often result from small proteins interacting out of place.

Diamond X-rays will be able to characterise such small proteins, which will enable the pharmaceutical companies to produce drugs to stop these proteins causing disease.

For a tour of the Diamond facility, there are media open days on – Friday December 16th10am –12.30pm and Tuesday December 22nd10am – 12.30pm