Diamond synchrotron sparkles and shows its value to UK economy

Diamond Light Source, the UK’s synchrotron, has generated a ‘fantastic return on investment’ since it became operational in 2007. That’s according to a new study that values its socio-economic impacts at around £1.8 billion with each taxpayer contributing £2.45 a year towards it. 

Synchrotrons are used in imaging and non-destructive testing of materials and structures, as well as in drug discovery and development. Set up in 2002, Diamond is an independent not-for-profit company, a joint venture between the UKRI’s Science and Technology Facilities Council and the Wellcome Trust, which own 86%, and 14% of the facility, respectively. Diamond has received £1.2 billion in investment over 14 years and hosted 14,000 users.