Advanced Technology Centres

The Science and Technology Facilities Council invests in centres for Instrumentation, e-Science and Accelerator Science and Technology to deliver underpinning technologies for the next generation of large research facilities and in support of major science programmes in space science, particle physics and computational science and engineering.

The Accelerator Science and Technology Centre (ASTeC)

High power and high brightness accelerators for electrons, photons, protons etc. are essential components to the success of several embryonic large scale facilities from the proposed electron-positron linear collider to IFMIF, including new photon and neutron sources. The Accelerator Science and Technology Centre is the focus for providing this capability.
ASTeC website (link opens in a new window)

The e-Science Centre

The e-Science Centre was established through the cross-Council e-Science programme as the focus for exploitation of e-Science technologies in ensuring the most effective and efficient use of the Council large research facilities. The process of embedding e- Science into the Council facilities and programmes will provide users with a state-of-the-art research environment, and help shape the 'e-infrastructure' for the UK. The Council will also lead the UK's engagement in the emerging European e-Infrastructure. This programme requires the deployment of existing and planned capabilities (including the next generation high performance computing facility) and will involve research and development projects to encompass new computing and storage technologies.
e-Science website (link opens in a new window)

Micro and Nanotechnology Centre

The Micro and Nanotechnology Centre provides state of the art micro- and nano-fabrication facilities to universities, industry and other STFC departments. The Centre is home to 25 scientists and technicians who have extensive experience in the research and development, design, fabrication and test of semiconductor and MEMS devices.

The Centre has a 30 year history and has been extensively involved in the development of the field of micro-fabrication since its conception.

The Centre is divided into five groups, three of which conduct specific areas of research and two of which provide project and facility management;

• MNT Engineering Applications
• BioScience MNT
• Process Development
• Project Office
• Facilities

The facilities include ISO Class 5 (FS209 Class 100) cleanrooms which house a variety of equipment for comprehensive fabrication of micro- and nano-technology based devices.
Micro and Nanotechnology Centre website (link opens in a new window)