A 30 Year Partnership with Agar Scientific

A long-standing relationship with Agar Scientific has helped Dr Robert Young, currently working in the Cardiff Centre for Vision Science, throughout a research career spanning rheumatoid arthritis, ocular degeneration, osteoarthritis and corneal structure.

Use of microscopy has been at the heart of this work - covering various light microscopy techniques, transmission electron microscopy and 3D microscopy - and close ties with Agar have played a vital role, as Dr Young explained: “My first research lab had very close links with Alan Agar, the Company’s original founder. Alan used to come to the lab quite frequently, and we often got to test new products before launch. We were using various light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques for our investigations, so were extremely fortunate to have those very close links with Alan, as well as later with Fred Sheldon and Lynne Joyce.”

“Although I have moved institutes several times, and the nature of my research has changed, I still acquire most of my microscopy supplies from Agar. I have worked with many other microscopists over the years - particularly in Bristol where I was part of an internationally renowned research group at the forefront of cryomicroscopy - and many of my colleagues also use Agar in preference to other microscopy suppliers, due to the Company’s friendly and personable approach. The Agar team has always offered useful advice, which is why I have enjoyed a good relationship with them for over 30 years.”