Recipient organisationNewcastle UniversitySource-published name: Newcastle University
Funding£800K
PeriodAug 2025 — Mar 2026
In plain English
AI plain-English summary
Newcastle University is buying a high-end mass spectrometer—a machine that identifies and measures proteins in biological samples—to replace outdated equipment at a steep discount. Proteins do most of the work inside cells, but their levels often do not match the corresponding genetic instructions. Measuring proteins directly gives a far more accurate picture of what is actually happening in a diseased or healthy cell. The new instrument, a Thermo-Fisher Astral system, can analyse tiny samples—such as a few thousand cells from a biopsy—with far greater speed and sensitivity than current machines. If the platform performs as expected, it will accelerate research into immunology, neurodegeneration, liver disease, and cancer at Newcastle. Researchers will be able to detect subtle protein changes that current instruments miss, potentially identifying new disease markers or drug targets. The system slots into an existing core facility that has already received roughly £15 million in university investment, so it will support multiple projects without requiring separate infrastructure for each. The work is fundamental biological discovery, but it directly underpins translational medicine—turning lab findings into diagnostics and treatments.
View original technical description
Proteomics has revolutionised the biological sciences by enabling comprehensive analysis of relative and absolute protein abundance and post-translational modifications. This capability offers a more accurate understanding of cellular and organismal function, especially in light of the well-documented disparity between mRNA transcript levels and protein expression. To further advance this field, we are seeking funding for an advanced liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system. This cutting-edge instrumentation will provide unprecedented sensitivity, throughput, and capacity, significantly enhancing our proteomics research capabilities, especially for samples of small cell numbers. We have obtained an outstanding discount utilising obsolete mass spectrometers as trade-ins. This application therefore provides excellent value for money. The requested LC-MS system will support a broad spectrum of biological and medical research questions within the remit of the Medical Research Council (MRC). Our team of co-investigators, research technical professionals, and industrial partners exemplifies the diverse and extensive expertise that will be harnessed to maximize the impact of this investment. The experience and technical proficiency of the core facility’s specialists will ensure that the instrumentation is fully supported and utilised to its fullest potential throughout its operational lifetime. The Thermo-Fisher Astral platform will revolutionise clinical and translational research at Newcastle University. Initial research foci will include immunology, neurodegeneration, liver disease, and cancer. By underpinning a wide array of projects, the platform will contribute to translational research aligned with Newcastle University’s strategic aim to address pressing health and societal challenges. This initiative aligns with the MRC’s strategic priorities, including infection and immunity, multimorbidity, and precision medicine. Newcastle University’s commitment to core facility development is exemplified by a circa £15M investment supporting a cross-facility operational model that promotes collaboration, streamlined workflows, and technological innovation. The NUPPA facility stands as a centrepiece of this investment, driving a dynamic research community centred on 'omics and mass spectrometry. The addition of the Thermo-Fisher Astral system will address a critical need for high-sensitivity, high-throughput mass spectrometry at Newcastle University. Integrated within an established core facility environment, this system will leverage existing upstream and downstream sample processing, data acquisition, and analytical workflows to maximize efficiency and research output.
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