Bespoke Services and flexible access for Industry

A dedicated team of scientific experts to guide and support you

Diamond for Industry

Your Gateway to leading-edge science

Who are we

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron facility, at the forefront of scientific research and development. We employ advanced characterisation techniques to deliver scientific insights across diverse industries, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive innovation.

Our integrated facilities include cryo-Electron Microscopy via eBIC for Industry, a dedicated active materials facility, and onsite crystallisation services.

Our dedicated Industry team of scientific experts are specialists in their field, and are committed to providing you with an exceptional end-to-end service. Each is equipped to handle every aspect of your project, from conception to final deliverables and beyond. From the very beginning, we prioritise your goals and work closely with you to ensure they are successfully achieved.

What we do

Our unique service model is designed to deliver rapid and robust results. Whether you need additional resources, routine measurements, or opportunities to upskill your staff, we offer service levels to meet a wide range of requirements. From data collection to full contract research, we've got you covered. What's more, our flexible access modes allow you to conduct your research at a time and place that suits you best.

Ubiquitous in your journey is the Industry team of experts who are available to support and guide you throughout your experiment. Our commitment to achieving the best results from every experiment ensures that your project is in safe hands.

How to get started

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Why work with us?

Industry services

Sample preparation and screening

If your organisation lacks in-house laboratories or requires advanced sample preparation facilities, Diamond offers a range of comprehensive solutions. Our research laboratories are equipped with state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation and support facilities to enable you to prepare and validate samples before experiments, streamlining your research projects.

Data collection

Our data collection service provides a variety of flexible access options tailored to your needs and schedule. Wwhether you’d like our team to conduct the experiment or you’re an experienced researcher who prefers a DIY approach, our data collection services can accommodate you.

Contract research

Our Contract Research service allows you to achieve maximum value from your experiment, whilst saving time. As well as data collection, we go a step further by analysing the experimental data and providing you with a comprehensive report of the findings.

Research Techniques

Integrated Structural Biology

Diamond offers a comprehensive, one-stop solution for all your structural biology needs, providing access to a suite of advanced instruments and microscopes to uncover high-resolution structural details of cells and their macromolecular components.

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Diffraction

Diamond offers a comprehensive suite of diffraction techniques to analyse the structure and properties of materials at the atomic level. Our advanced instruments accommodate a diverse range of sample types and formats, including crystals, thin films, powders, small and large molecules, along with rapid measurement times to enable real-time industrial applications.

Spectroscopy

Diamond provides a range of spectroscopic techniques to analyse the interaction between matter and visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light, in a non-destructive manner. Our facilities offer high-resolution insights into chemical composition, molecular and electronic structures, physical properties, and biological systems.

Imaging

Diamond offers precise 2D and 3D visualisations using non-destructive imaging techniques. Our instruments map density, structure, composition, states, and crystallographic perfection. By probing at the molecular level, we reveal internal components with minimal sample impact, ideal for studying dense, small, sensitive materials, and rapidly changing samples.

Scattering

Diamond offers scattering techniques to determine the molecular structure of ordered and partially ordered materials, such as biological specimens, polymers, and electronic materials. Our methods excel in understanding complex materials and multi-component systems, benefiting formulation science. High-intensity X-ray beams enable rapid measurements and in situ studies across various length scales and material types.

Case Studies

Llama-derived fusion protein to prevent COVID-19

Discover how llama-derived nanobody C5-Fc targets SARS-CoV-2’s RBD with high stability and potency, using SAXS and SANS at Diamond Light Source. .

Understanding hormone production in the thyroid gland

Researchers from MRC LMB, the University of Ljubljana, the University of Berlin, and the University of Bristol used cryo-EM at Diamond Light Source to map the structure of thyroglobulin, identifying key residues involved in thyroid hormone production and offering insights for treating thyroid conditions.

Enabling cleaner air through novel engine oil formulations

Lubrizol and Corning Environmental Technologies used X-ray tomography at Diamond Light Source to study ash build-up in gasoline particulate filters—revealing how engine oil additives impact emissions, backpressure, and vehicle efficiency.

Unilever - microstructure of ice cream

Using Diamond Light Source’s I13-2 beamline, scientists from Manchester and Unilever visualised the 3D microstructure of ice cream during freeze-thaw cycles. The study provides insights into how processing and storage impact product quality and shelf life.

The environmental impact of the Mount Polley mine disaster

The University of Exeter used X-ray absorption spectroscopy at Diamond Light Source to investigate vanadium species in the aftermath of the Mount Polley tailings dam failure—advancing understanding of environmental recovery.

High mobility transparent conductors

doping in In₂O₃—offering insights into designing cheaper, high-performance transparent conductors for electronics and solar panels.

Rechargeable heating systems using renewable materials

Aalto University used SAXS at Diamond Light Source to study lignin-based nanocapsules for thermal energy storage—advancing sustainable phase change materials for building and energy applications.

Laser Additive Manufacturing

A collaboration between Harwell researchers and Diamond Light Source has enabled real-time X-ray imaging of additive manufacturing processes. Their findings offer new insights into pore formation and powder behaviour, helping to optimise 3D printing for critical engineering applications.

More case studies

Our valued clients and partners

News

Cancer Research Horizons and Diamond Light Source establish drug discovery partnership

Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation arm of Cancer Research UK, is partnering with Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron, to build a world-leading fragment-based drug discovery programme.

Morgan Advanced Materials conducts first real-time ceramic sintering research supported by Diamond

Discover how Morgan Advanced Materials used Diamond Light Source’s XRD beamline to conduct its first real-time ceramic sintering study. The findings reveal a new phase in Alumina ceramics, enabling process optimisation without compromising performance.

From Spain to Synchrotrons: Celebrating the Inspiring Journey of Professor Sofia Diaz-Moreno

Celebrate the inspiring journey of Professor Sofia Diaz-Moreno, from her early days in Spain to leading spectroscopy at Diamond Light Source and becoming a professor at the University of Kent. A powerful story of resilience and leadership in science.

Unlocking the Potential of Isosteres in Medicinal Chemistry

A new study by SpiroChem AG and the University of Nottingham investigates cuneanes as promising isosteres in medicinal chemistry. Using single crystal diffraction at Diamond, the team reveals how these unique hydrocarbons could enhance drug design and performance.

A novel approach for controlling the manufacturing production process

Discover how researchers from Infineum UK, University of Leeds, and Diamond are transforming manufacturing with a new approach to Process Analytical Technology (PAT) using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) for real-time production control and quality assurance.

Exploring the behaviour of Citrate with Nickel and Uranium in Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal

A new study by Nuclear Waste Services and UK universities explores how citrate behaves with nickel and uranium in radioactive waste. Using XAS and EXAFS at Diamond, the research reveals how microbial activity and metal interactions affect waste safety and biodegradation.

Harnessing Lipid Cubic Phases to deliver proteins for Biotherapeutics

A new study by Cook Medical Ltd and the University of Limerick investigates lipid cubic phases as a promising delivery system for protein-based biotherapeutics. Using SAXS at Diamond, the research explores how these lipid structures can protect proteins and enable controlled release.

Llama-derived-protein-to-prevent-COVID

Discover how UCL researchers used Diamond Light Source’s XChem and bioSAXS platforms to explore llama-derived nanobodies as a novel, cost-effective antibody approach for COVID-19 prevention in this compelling case study.

More news

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