Users from European organisations continue to be welcome to submit proposals to Diamond. The same funding policy and procedure for expenses remains in place for any visit to Diamond as was in place before Brexit.
Diamond wants every element of your visit to go smoothly. This guide provides information to meet your needs while you are with us at Diamond.
Be aware that Diamond is working under specific arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic and up to date information can be found here.
The User Office will ensure your information is sent to main reception before you arrive.
If you enter site without registering your vehicle at reception, you are at risk of receiving a vehicle infringement notice which could lead to withdrawal of parking rights for a substantial period.
When you arrive on the Harwell Science Campus there are two places most people need to identify:
Main Gate
Report to the Main Gate of the STFC site where Diamond is located. Most user access cards are prepared and ready for collection at the Main Gate and this willl be specified on the details confirming your session sent out by the User Office.
See location 2 on this map.
Ridgeway House
To find Ridgeway House from the Main Gate, walk straight to the the end of the road, cross over the road, turn left then a sharp right.
See location 3 on this map.
Instruments
Please arrive between 0900 and 1400 to ensure you receive your training. Otherwise, you should arrive at the synchrotron within working hours at a time agreed with your local contact.
Once you have your access card you will need to find your instrument. The beamlines are numbered in a clockwise direction. The link bridge between Diamond House and the Synchrotron is in Zone 1, upstairs from I19.
I14, eBIC and ePSIC are housed in an external building which is immediately behind the R22 restaurant when coming from Diamond House. The I13 instruments are in a building behind the I14 external building.
Fire Alarm
In case of a fire the alarm will sound followed by a recorded message which will also inform you of a total evacuation. Follow these instructions and evacuate the building by the nearest exit. Please do not use the lifts or the link bridge between Diamond House and the Synchrotron.
If you are in the synchrotron building go straight to the muster point outside at ground level under the link bridge between Diamond House and the Synchrotron and swipe your cypher tag at the master card reader. If you are in Diamond House leave via the main entrance and assemble in the car park at the front of the building.
There are no building wardens operating in the synchrotron building.
If you discover a fire:
Routine fire alarm testing takes place between 11:30 and 12:00 on a Tuesday and will be announced on the overhead tannoy.
If you might require extra assistance to evacuate the building in case of emergency, please contact the User Office in advance of your session to ensure a plan is in place for your session.
First Aiders
Diamond has first aiders on site at all times during user operations. Please see the list displayed by each beamline. In case of emergency please contact the Experimental Hall Coordinators on ext. 8787.
Accidents and Near-Misses
Diamond reviews all accidents and near-misses regularly to improve our processes. Please ask your Local Contact or an EHC (ext. 8787) for an Incident Report Form which should be completed and given to the Local Contact or EHC who will pass it to the Diamond SHE group.
While Diamond discourages lone working during your visit, it is sometimes necessary. Please notify the Diamond Experimental Hall Coordinators (EHC) on ext. 8787 as they make regular checks on anyone who is working alone.
Between 18:00 and 08:00, please notify the EHC so that they are aware you have finished successfully and left site safely.
Diamond is sited on the Harwell Research and Innovation Campus and there are several local amenities that may be available during your stay.
Doctor / dentist: There are no medical facilities on site. Should you require a doctor/medical advice or a dentist please contact 111.
ATM: There is a 24 hour, no fee cash machine in the R22 coffee lounge.
There is a small parade of shops on Harwell Campus (location 10 on this map), which includes the following:
Store/Post Office (McColls): Tel 01235 834391. Open from 06:30-18:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00-12:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
Bloomers Sandwich Bar: Tel 01235 833885. Open from 08:00 -15:00 Monday to Friday.
Hairdressing salon (Atomic Hair): Tel 01235 832062. Open from 09:00-17:00 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 09:00-21:00 on Wednesday and 08:00-12:00 on Saturday.
Dish at Harwell: A consciously sustainable food destination, filled with a choice of authentic and vibrant cuisines. Further detail can be found here.
Diamond always includes breakfast when we book your accommodation.
Users who are being provided with financial support for their experiment will find that their access card has been loaded with £18 per day.
All users must use the catering provision on campus.
Tea, coffee, drinking water, milk and sugar are available in all Diamond kitchens at no charge. Kitchens are equipped with boiling water, fridges and microwaves for your use.
Do not bring or consume on the Diamond site any alcohol or drugs which may make you unfit to work or adversely affect safety performance. See here for the full set of Health and Safety Rules.
Times of opening during machine operation
Please note, while the Diamond machine is not running R22 closes at 16:00 on Friday and reopens at 07:30 on Monday.
There are several rest rooms located near the kitchens to provide a more relaxed environment.
Instrument
Please leave the instrument and any labs you have used clean and tidy. Diamond are not able to dispose of your samples. Please repack everything your brought with you and take it away from site.
Accommodation
Please ensure you check out from your accommodation before the check out time. If you are due to pay for your own accomodation you need to ensure this has been done before you leave - in the case of non-payment we will pass on your contact address so that payment can be sought by the accommodation provider.
Access Cards
Please keep your user badge after your session if you will be returning to Diamond within 6 months. You will then be expected to bring this along with you for any further sessions.
If you are not returning within 6 months, please hand your badge in at the Main Gate after you depart site.
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
Copyright © 2022 Diamond Light Source
Diamond Light Source Ltd
Diamond House
Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0DE
Diamond Light Source® and the Diamond logo are registered trademarks of Diamond Light Source Ltd
Registered in England and Wales at Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE, United Kingdom. Company number: 4375679. VAT number: 287 461 957. Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number: GB287461957003.
For Users