The Research Complex at Harwell

The Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH) is a multi-disciplinary laboratory for cutting-edge research in physical and life sciences.

t £26.4 million, the RCaH (NERC), and STFC. STFC is the largest represents a significant stakeholder and the MRC manages the A Government investment in Complex. science and provides laboratory space for 150 people. Location, location, location The RCaH is addressing a number The RCaH is based at STFC’s Rutherford of important and challenging areas Appleton Laboratory (RAL) at the including: Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in . CONTACT • Advanced imaging in biology, Research Complex at Harwell engineering and materials science Its location is an important asset Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, structure and function as the campus allows researchers to Didcot, • OX11 0FA • Drug development and delivery benefit from the proximity of a number • Chemical processing of facilities also on the Campus, For press and communication • Surface and nanoscience including the: enquiries please contact: • Energy research Jude Eades • ISIS neutron source MRC Publications Manager and Regional Stakeholders Diamond Light Source Communications Manager (Oxford & West) • RCaH has six stakeholders - • Central Laser Facility T: +44 (0)1235 841291 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences • Membrane Protein Laboratory Research Council (BBSRC), Diamond • MRC Mammalian Unit and For all other enquiries please contact: Light Source (DLS), Engineering and Mary Lyon Centre E: [email protected] Physical Sciences Research Council T: +44 (0)1235 567700 (EPSRC), Medical Resarch Council (MRC), This range of state-of-the-art facilities Natural Environment Research Council and expertise attracts researchers from different disciplines, encourages inter-disciplinary research, produces a dynamic working environment and increases the chances of scientific advances. Attracting Excellence The RCaH hosts world class research groups from universities and other institutes for short and long-term projects varying in length from days to years.

One of the first occupants, Professor So Iwata, was awarded the prestigious Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Aminoff award in 2010, reflecting the calibre of researchers attracted by the RCaH.

The Oxford Protein Production Facility UK (OPPF-UK) – which produces for structural The OPPF ‘robot‘ and biophysical studies – was the first facility to arrive at the RCaH. Jointly funded by STFC and BBSRC, system and uses the relatively constant Octopus brings together microscopes, ground temperature to preheat incoming The RCaH also lasers and a supercomputer to provide air in the winter, or decrease the houses STFC’s a new generation of advanced imaging summer temperature, by 1-2°. Energy Lasers for for biology and medical applications. consumption is closely monitored and Science Facility It is hoped that the technique could users are encouraged to keep their (LSF) and the eventually be used to predict, at a cars at home by providing bike sheds, Collaborative molecular level, whether a particular showers and easy access to the bus Computing cancer treatment will work for a patient park. Project 4 or not. (CCP4). The LSF worked with Inspiration inside and RAL’s Functional out Biosystems Even the RCaH building itself is inspiring. Imaging team at It incorporates thermal gas, intelligent the RCaH to develop lighting, solar water heaters and a 100m Octopus (Optics concrete underground earth tube. Combined to Output Unique Solutions). The earth tube is part of the air The structure of an enzyme - Endo1 conditioning

The structure of STNV, a small virus particle

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19/08/2014