The UK X-ray Tomography Roadmap Working Group is inviting users who have worked with X-ray Tomography, regardless of career stage or experience, to contribute to a survey that will provide a strategic framework for future XCT hardware, software, data pipelines and skills.
For materials scientists, XCT provides a powerful way to connect internal structure with performance. From investigating defects in manufactured components to understanding how materials respond to demanding operating environments, tomography can help researchers and businesses address questions that surface imaging alone cannot answer.
Realising this potential depends on more than imaging equipment. Access to facilities, specialist expertise, training and the ability to process and interpret complex datasets all influence how effectively the technique can support research and industrial innovation. The first UKRI UK X-ray Tomography Roadmap directly drove the creation of the National Research Facility for lab-based X-ray computed tomography (NXCT), this subsequent roadmap will shift the focus from equipment ownership to access across national infrastructure, defining strategic priorities for the future.
The UK X-ray Tomography Roadmap survey offers an opportunity for the materials community to contribute its perspective. Sharing practical experience of using tomography, the challenges encountered and emerging research needs can help ensure that materials applications are represented in discussions about future capability.
Royce encourages colleagues working with X-ray tomography across academia and industry to contribute their experiences to the survey and make their views heard. Perspectives from those applying the technique to materials development, characterisation, manufacturing and performance assessment will be particularly valuable.
Find out more about the UK X-ray Tomography Roadmap and contribute to the survey.
