Access our research facilities

We offer a wide range of cutting-edge facilities which can help your organisations to develop and test new products and processes.

Technical research facilities

Thanks to our size, cross-disciplinary strengths and specialist research and development facilities, we offer industry partners resources that few commercial organisations can access day-to-day without significant investment. Through working with our team, you can access these facilities in a variety of ways to suit your needs.

All our facilities are supported by teams of experienced technicians. We can help you source the best facilities to solve your research challenges.

Example facilities

With hundreds of specialist facilities across our campus, we've highlighted some key examples below to give you a sense of the breadth and depth of resources available.

Data Immersion Suite

Our new Data Immersion Suite contains state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment including a 22-metre partial wrap-around video wall comprising of 48x55’’ high resolution screens. The facility enables researchers, policy makers and engineers to explore complex problems using on-screen data visualisations with real-time updates from cyber and physical systems. It allows users to generate scenarios which unfold over hours or days to create a life-like experience.

Read more about the Data Immersion Suite

Ultra-low temperatures

Our Ultra-Low Temperature Laboratories are used to probe systems and devices at the extremes of low temperature, where the agitating effects of thermal noise can be ignored and the underlying quantum properties of matter shine through.

Read more about the Ultra-Low Temperature Laboratories

Other facilities examples

Physics

Semiconductor testing in our Quantum Technology Centre, to test chips and ensure the high quality, reliability and performance of devices in our digital world.
Materials Analysis: X-ray Photon Spectroscopy (XPS), to determine the composition of surface deposits for validation and investigation, with strong high-resolution surface analysis capabilities, depth profiling and chemical mapping. Suitable for coatings, semiconductors, and batteries.

Chemistry and materials

Over £7m chemistry facilities through our Collaborative Technology Access Programme, including nuclear magnetic resonance and separations, and microscopy and nanofabrication.
High-resolution mass spectroscopy for environmental chemistry, to analyse and identify chemical compounds, even in low concentrations.
£4m class 100 and class 1000 clean rooms equipped with devices for electron-beam, lithography machine, photolithography, plasma processing, thin-film deposition, scanning electron and probe microscopy.

Environmental sciences and health

Glasshouse spaces and controlled environment plant growth rooms for precise control of plant environment, such as length of day, temperature, ventilation and thermal screens.
Mobile Simulation Teaching Unit at our Health Innovation Campus, featuring a fully equipped, eight-bed simulated hospital ward, capable of being used to teach simulation and clinical skills across the community.
The Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Consumer Neuroscience Lab- a state-of-the-art facility specialising in cognitive and behavioural analysis. Using fNIRS, the lab measures how individuals interact with products and services in natural environments, offering an advantage over traditional MRI-based approaches.

Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing facility used from concept product development through to full manufacturing lifecycle management.
Electronics workshop and additive manufacturing facility, accessible as a technology demonstrator, learning resource and operational prototyping and manufacturing facility.

Computing and data science

Eye tracking technology for consumer research in our Management School, to help identify and analyse what information captures the consumer’s attention.

Benefits of collaboration

Partnering with us gives your organisation access to facilities, expertise, and resources that can accelerate innovation and reduce risk.

Cost Effective

Resources without large capital investment. Gain access to facilities that that are simply too expensive or niche for most organisations to invest in themselves.

Product Development

Accelerated Innovation and Product Development. With our facilities and expert support you can develop, test and refine new products, materials and processes, and innovate with confidence.

Knowledge

Learn from researchers at the forefront of their fields. Our multidisciplinary environment means you can draw on insights from engineering, data science, materials, health, sustainability, and beyond - all under one roof.

Competitive Edge

Partnering with us gives your organisation a unique strategic advantage. By connecting you with world-class research, facilities, and talent that are often out of reach in the commercial sector, strengthenining your innovation pipeline and enhancing your credibility with customers, investors, and funders.

Ready to explore the possibilities?

We welcome partners from across sectors and project sizes - from start-ups to SMEs to multinationals. Whether you're looking to develop new technologies, scale up R&D, or solve complex challenges, let’s discuss how our facilities and expertise can help drive your innovation forward.

Talk to us now

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