Harwell is home to a unique array of cutting-edge scientific facilities and institutes. Collaborate with our lab experts, conduct ground-breaking research and gain access to some of the most powerful scientific equipment in the world.
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Central Laser Facility (CLF)
CLF is one of the world’s leading laser facilities, capable of recreating the conditions inside stars. It can be used to study biochemical and biophysical processes that form the basis of life itself.
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Diamond Light Source
The UK’s synchrotron works like a giant microscope, harnessing the power of electrons to produce bright light that scientists can use to study anything from fossils to viruses and vaccines.
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Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC)
The Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC) will drive plasma-based accelerators using lasers, producing advanced X-ray sources for imaging in industrial, biological and defence and security environments – providing a boost to UK innovation.
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European Space Agency’s ECSAT
ESA’s European satellite and space telecommunications centre (ECSAT) is the UK’s gateway to space.
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The Faraday Institution
As a world-leader in electrochemical energy storage, The Faraday Institution is making the batteries of today safer, more powerful, sustainable and energy-efficient, and developing next-generation batteries for a cleaner tomorrow.
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ISIS Neutron & Muon Source
Part of the global scientific infrastructure, ISIS enables scientists from academia and industry to study materials at the atomic level.
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Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell
Helping the scientific community to better understand, diagnose and treat human diseases and degenerative conditions.
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Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA)
Nucleic acid therapeutics have world-changing potential for treating diseases.
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National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)
Quantum computing has the potential to change our world by solving intractable problems that are beyond even today’s supercomputers. The National Quantum Computing Centre will ensure the UK is at the forefront of quantum innovation.
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Research Complex at Harwell
A national resource for research in life and physical sciences, delivering scientific excellence across structural and molecular biology, catalysis, energy materials, correlative imaging & advanced manufacturing.
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RAL Space
RAL Space carry out space research and technology development and offer unique facilities to help advance understanding of space and our environment.
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The Rosalind Franklin Institute (The Franklin)
The RFI is dedicated to developing tomorrow’s life science innovations through technology development and needle-point research.
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Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC)
At the forefront of the satellite services revolution, accelerating innovation in space applications for real-world impact.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
The agency is at the front line in protecting the nation from infectious diseases and future threats to public health.
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A sky full of science: Harwell to light up Oxfordshire sky as it celebrates its 80th birthday on New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day 2026, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus will celebrate its 80th birthday, marking eight decades of world-leading science and innovation with a dazzling spectacle visible across Oxfordshire. From 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the UK’s most powerful display laser will shine from the centre of the iconic Diamond Light Source, creating ‘The…
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UK science facility commences construction of one of the most powerful lasers in the world
Construction has now begun of the Vulcan 20-20 laser at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, which when complete will be one of the most powerful lasers in the world when operational in a few years time. The Central Laser Facility (CLF) was awarded £85 million by UK Research and Innovation for this major upgrade programme.…
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ISIS Launches book to celebrate 40 Years of Scientific Triumph from Net Zero to Cancer Research
To celebrate 40 years of the ISIS Neutron and Muon source, the research facility has launched a coffee table book that showcases all aspects, and key milestones, of operations over last four decades: from science to staff and instruments to infrastructure. Established in 1984 and inaugurated in 1985 by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, ISIS has since become a…
