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STFC's scientific, social and economic impact

Some examples of STFC's scientific, social and economic impact are given in the following examples, taken from our 2008-09 Annual Report.

An Astronomical First for Asteroids

Imagine an 80 tonne asteroid hurtling towards the Earth at 30,000 mph. It may sound like science fiction but in October 2008 this scenario was a potentially dangerous reality.

Big Bang Day

10th September 2008 became Big Bang Day on BBC Radio 4 when the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) inspired an entire day’s programming.

Dark hearts of hidden galaxies revealed

Astronomers from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands are peering into the dark hearts of bright galaxies to learn more about how our own Universe formed.

Delivering for the UK: Economic Impact

STFC has an impressive track record of research excellence through its academic communities and in-house research scientists and engineers. Our world-leading science and technology is fundamental to the delivery of Economic Impact (EI) for the UK.

Eyes Open

STFC’s Space Science Department at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) has built instruments for three space missions, two already launched, to enable research into the Earth, Moon and Sun.

Farewell Synchrotron

In August 2008, scientists paid tribute to the Synchrotron Radiation Source (SRS) at the Daresbury Laboratory. The world’s first second-generation synchrotron, SRS operated for 28 years and produced two million hours of science.

two business people benefiting from science

Skills for Small Businesses

Small and medium sized businesses across South East England are benefiting from highly skilled training thanks to STFC’s Skills for Technology project.

The Science and Technology Gateway Centres

Solutions to the scientific and technical challenges of the 21st century are increasingly found by working with, rather than just within, research laboratories.

A Spin-out Sense Green Success

A sensor that can withstand hostile environments, help improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in aircraft engines and power stations, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been developed by STFC spin-out Oxsensis.

Photosynthesis In a Flash

Photosynthesis powers almost all of life but attempts to harness this process are yet to match nature’s design. Plants, which convert sunlight into chemical and electrical energy, are significantly more efficient than affordable solar cells.

students from secondary school looking through gigantic telescope

International Year of Astronomy

One in five secondary schools now has a window into space after 1,000 schools received a free telescope during the International Year of Astronomy (IYA).

people in society learning about science

Investing in People

Scientific research is now central to the future prospects for our society, for driving forward the economy, dealing with global threats to security and the environment, enhancing the quality of life and in making the UK an attractive place to live, and invest. Yet science and innovation, whilst requiring the facilities that STFC provides, is not done by machines, but by people.

ISIS broadens its reach

ISIS is one of the world’s leading sources of neutrons and muons. These subatomic particles can penetrate matter, pinpoint the location of atoms and determine the structure of materials. They are used for research on subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, to nanotechnology and IT.

Mapping the Brain

Each year 10,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This neurological condition causes tremors, slowness of movement and stiff muscles, making it difficult to walk, write or talk.

Driving forwards materials chemistry

The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham, opened the new Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry (KCMC) at the STFC Daresbury Laboratory.

New ESA Centre in the United Kingdom

A step towards the creation of a new European Space Agency (ESA) research centre in the United Kingdom was taken in November 2008 with an agreement made at the ESA Ministerial Council in The Hague.

Proteins for Better Health

Ateam of UK scientists has made an important development that will help the design of new drugs for many conditions.

Environmental Science: shaping European regulation with e-Science and UK expertise

The environment plays a crucial role in the UK economy. Climate change, soil erosion and the depletion of marine stocks threaten jobs, employment and economic growth. The government has therefore made the natural environment and its resources both a duty of care and an important part of economic policy.

Skills for the World

More than 600 universities across Europe rely on STFC’s Microelectronics Support Centre (MSC). The centre supplies and supports the commercial design tool software used by microelectronics design engineers at an affordable price. This helps to produce highly trained, highly skilled graduates for UK and European design companies.

Examining the Exotic

Nuclear physics is at the heart of all science. “The atomic nucleus is responsible for more than 99.9% of the mass of all the matter we can see,” said Professor Paddy Regan from the University of Surrey. “100 years after the experimental verification of the nucleus and we are still uncovering its mysteries.”