Annual Review 2024-2025

Leveraging Diamond’s advanced synchrotron technology and Cancer Research Horizons’ expertise, the partnership focuses on accelerating the drug discovery process to bring new cancer treatments to patients faster. The initiative includes funding for two postdoctoral research assistants and early access to proprietary developments, enhancing the appeal of Diamond’s XChem Fragment Screening platform to pharmaceutical and biotech partners. The partnership is expected to significantly impact the field of oncology by identifying novel drug candidates more efficiently. By combining the strengths of both organisations, the programme aims to overcome current limitations in drug discovery, such as the time-consuming and costly nature of traditional methods. The use of Diamond’s synchrotron technology allows for high-throughput screening of drug fragments, providing detailed insights into their interactions with biological targets. This approach not only speeds up the discovery process but also increases the likelihood of finding effective treatments for various types of cancer. During 2024-2025 the Industrial Liaison team has played a crucial role in advancing scientific research and fostering industry partnerships. Our team has been instrumental in driving a wide range of projects that leverage Diamond’s cutting-edge synchrotron technology to address complex challenges across various sectors. From healthcare and pharmaceuticals to cultural heritage and materials science, our collaborative efforts have led to significant breakthroughs and innovations. By connecting industry with Diamond’s unique capabilities, we continue to enhance the impact of our research, support economic growth, and contribute to the global scientific community. Cancer Research Horizons Partnership In December 2024, Diamond announced a groundbreaking partnership with Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation arm of Cancer Research UK. This collaboration aims to establish a world- leading fragment-based drug discovery programme. Industrial Liaison Group D I A M O N D L I G H T S O U R C E L I M I T E D 37 I N D U S T R I A L L I A I S O N G R O U P U P D AT E