Diamond Light Source Photographic Exhibition

4 5 D iamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, its pioneering capabilities are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research. Diamond works like a giant microscope, harnessing the power of electrons to produce bright light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. These bright beams are then directed off into laboratories known as beamlines. Here, scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter – solid, liquid or gas. Whether it’s fragments of ancient paintings or unknown virus structures, at the synchrotron, scientists can unravel the composition of the world around us to help tackle some of the global challenges we are facing. Since becoming operational in 2007, Diamond has been a leading centre for synchrotron science on the world stage, supporting UK academics and businesses to undertake research in a diverse set of areas and sectors. Synchrotrons are one of the most important types of research facility for imaging and non-destructive testing of materials and structures, as well as for the acceleration of drug discovery and development, enabling research that is not achievable by other means. Since March 2020, Diamond has provided research tools for investigations into SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, which has resulted in many pivotal breakthroughs in the development of vaccines and drugs to help fight the virus. Synchrotrons also provide unique knowledge for a variety of fields and sectors and are unusual in the breadth of R&D that they support and the range of users they attract. Diamond is therefore a critical piece of UK national infrastructure. A report published in May 2020 by Technopolis and Diamond estimates a cumulative monetised impact of at least £1.8 billion from the UK’s synchrotron, reflecting very favourably with the £1.2 billion investment made in the facility to date, costing less than a cup of coffee as each UK taxpayer contributes only £2.45 a year towards it. The benefits included: • Research Output - 9,600 articles, resulting in a cumulative impact to date of £677 million in terms of the production of research output. • Patents - collectively valued at £10.2 billion (in 2018 prices). • The study also developed 28 case-studies of breakthrough science achieved at Diamond from the plastic degrading enzyme to the new synthetic vaccine against the Foot-and-Mouth disease virus etc. • Software and Applications - An estimated £51.3 million valuation for the software and applications produced at Diamond. • Training - £8.8 million in training provided through Diamond (for free). • Wider Societal Benefits - 80,000 visitors reached to date through a programme of engagement supporting the UK Skills’ agenda in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). February 2004 T his exhibition celebrates a double anniversary year for Diamond Light Source, giving an insight into what goes on inside our iconic building. 2022 commemorates 20 years since the company was formed through a joint venture agreement between UKRI’s Science and Technology Facilities Council and one of the world’s largest biomedical charities the Wellcome Trust, each respectively owning 86% and 14% of the shares. This year also marks 15 years of research and innovation since the facility first opened to its now 14,000 strong user community. As part of the celebrations, we are presenting a special exhibition of selected photographs of people, instruments and structures that bear the beauty of the science and engineering work we undertake. This exhibition has been curated from images taken throughout the history of Diamond. Introduction to the exhibition June 2003 November 2003 April 2004 July 2005 June 2010