UCL is buying four high-end pieces of scientific equipment to keep its research internationally competitive: a photoelectron spectrometer, a surgical X-ray and robotics mock-up for an operating room, a 3D nanoprinter, and a 3D hyperspectral imager for heritage science. The problem is that cutting-edge research requires equipment that individual labs cannot afford or justify alone. As UCL has grown its staff and student numbers, the demand for shared, state-of-the-art tools has outpaced supply. Without this investment, researchers would lose the ability to fabricate materials at the nanoscale, characterise surfaces with precision, test surgical robots in realistic settings, or analyse historical artefacts without damaging them. If the equipment works as intended, it will underpin dozens of research projects across departments. The surgical suite could speed development of safer, more precise image-guided procedures. The nanoprinter could enable new types of sensors or medical implants. The hyperspectral imager could reveal hidden details in paintings or archaeological objects without touching them. The spectrometer will support fundamental materials science. The real impact is indirect but structural: better shared infrastructure means faster, higher-quality research across multiple fields, and better training for early-career researchers who will use these tools for years.
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This is a UCL-wide bid for investment in state-of-the-art underpinning multi-user equipment which will help us to maintain a cutting-edge in internationally leading research. Each piece of equipment included in this proposal contributes to one or more strategic themes, in which UCL, as well as national and international funders, has invested significantly in recent years: materials fabrication and characterisation; healthcare technologies; and imaging, for both medical and heritage science applications. UCL has considerable strengths in these areas, and we have experienced significant growth in terms of staff and student numbers, and breadth and impact of research activity. This additional investment will therefore provide an ideal platform to ensure the sustained growth of the highest quality research, as well as supporting and training early career researchers. Each piece of equipment underpins a range of research activities, reaching across department and discipline boundaries, which are of strategic importance for UCL and EPSRC. The UCL equipment items were chosen via a competitive internal selection process, led by Deans and Vice-Deans for Research, with evaluation based on scientific excellence, potential for impact, and alignment to UCL and EPSRC strategies. Each piece of equipment has a Lead Investigator(s) who will be responsible for regular reporting to the Vice-Provost for Research on progress against objectives. The requested UCL equipment items are: (A) a photoelectron spectrometer; (B) surgical X-ray imaging and robotics for a mock interventional suite; (C) a 3D nanoprinting facility; and (D) a 3D hyperspectral imaging facility for science and engineering in heritage.
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