Spotlight on Medical Sciences at Diamond

May 2006 

60 delegates from the Medical Research Council (MRC) gathered at Diamond for a Medical Sciences Workshop on 26th April 2006 (pictured left).  The audience included MRC funded scientists, senior representatives from MRC regional centres and the HQ.

The MRC promotes research into all areas of medical and related science with the aims of improving the health and quality of life of the UK public and contributing to the wealth of the nation.  Objectives for the day were to:

Present the planned capabilities at Diamond for the Life Sciences and medical research; Create dialogue and stimulate new ideas; Forge a strong partnership between MRC/Diamond and reciprocal scientists; Maximise the capabilities offered and Diamond; Identify the needs for additional beamlines at Diamond.

Following a welcome by Prof Gerd Materlik, Diamond’s Chief Executive, delegates were given an overview of Diamond’s capabilities for the Life Sciences by Prof Louise Johnson, Diamond’s Life Sciences Director.  Specific technique presentations followed including Macromolecular crystallography and implications for medical research (Dr Andrew Leslie); Circular Dichroism and Non-Crystalline Diffraction for the Life Sciences (Prof Tim Wess); and Soft X-rays for Microscopy, Microfocus and Medical Imaging for the Life Sciences (Dr Chris Hall). (Speakers pictured right: Dr Andrew Leslie, Dr Chris Hall, Prof Louise Johnson and Prof Tim Wess).

Group discussions were held covering four key topics:- 

• Developmental Biology and Genetics; 
• Immunology/Cell Biology; 
• Ion Channels, Muscle; 
• Radiation Oncology and Biology. 

Delegates were taken on a short site tour of the Diamond synchrotron and took part in a general discussion on the facility’s capabilities and ways to promote ongoing dialogue between the MRC, Diamond and the Medical Research community.

Commenting on the day, Prof Louise Johnson said, “The presentations and group discussions stimulated a very interesting dialogue between Diamond and the MRC.  Open dialogue with its key user communities is critical to Diamond’s success.  We need to have a clear picture of both current and future research requirements.  A feedback report is now being prepared about the day so that we can act on the key points that were raised during the workshop”.