The National X‑ray Computed Tomography facility (NXCT), the UK’s national research hub for lab‑based X‑ray CT imaging, has been awarded a major five‑year grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The generous funding will cement NXCT’s role at the forefront of 3D and 4D imaging research, enabling transformative access for both academic and industrial researchers nationwide.
In operation since November 2020, NXCT is an EPSRC-supported partnership uniting world-class CT expertise across the Universities of Manchester, Southampton, Warwick, UCL and Diamond Light Source. Hosted at Manchester’s Henry Royce Institute, the facility provides cutting-edge imaging, data analysis and scientific support for a broad spectrum of users.
New Grant Aims & Impact
- State-of‑the‑art equipment upgrades: Remote-access computing infrastructure to support advanced high-volume and in-situ imaging.
- Expanded user access: Strengthening of existing free beamtime access schemes while extending opportunities for SMEs and public engagement.
- Data and computational support: Enhanced workstations, high-capacity storage, and bespoke data pipelines through collaboration with Research IT services.
- Training and skills development: Additional specialist training modules for tomography data collection and analysis, catering to first-time users and seasoned researchers alike.
Dr Neil Robinson, Joint Head of Research Infrastructure at EPSRC said:
EPSRC is pleased to continue supporting the National X-ray Computed Tomography facility, which has established itself as a hub for world-leading imaging research.
This new investment will not only provide researchers and industry across the UK with access to cutting-edge 3D and 4D imaging but will also help train the next generation of experts in these transformative technologies. By strengthening national capability and collaboration, NXCT will play a key role in driving discovery and innovation across disciplines.
Professor Tim Burnett, Director of NXCT said:
I am delighted that we get the chance to continue to grow the lab X-ray CT community and provide it with critical resources, including access to scanners and support with data analysis. I am particularly proud of how we have trained over 500 researchers in the first five years, and we aim to expand this going forward. If you have ever considered X-ray CT for your research, please do get in touch.
About NXCT
NXCT is the UK’s National Research Facility for lab-based X-ray Computed Tomography.
Established in November 2020 and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, NXCT unites leading universities and Diamond Light Source to offer advanced 3D and 4D CT imaging, expert technical support, and user access nationwide
This image shows an Xray CT scan of an Iron Age sword, showing the decorative detailing. This item was uncovered during the excavation of a Late Iron Age burial site in West Sussex. Image courtesy of Archaeology South-East.
Image credit: Dr. Francesco Iacoviello
