University of Manchester

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-05

This project brings together leading researchers from the UK and Germany to develop the scientific understanding needed to create a new generation of memory-devices characterised by very low energy consumption and switching times of one trillionth of a second. This requires the development of new devices capable of operating at corresponding frequencies called terahertz (THz - 1012 Hz) i.e. thousand times faster than that used in current data communication and processing standards. Such very short pulses of electro-magnetic radiation are among the shortest stimuli available in science and technology and are made from light particles, photons, whose energies naturally match those of elementary quantum magnets, called “spins”. The THz excitation of the spins (THz spintronics) will be strong enough to induce switching of the spin orientation, representing the elementary act of writing a bit of information. As THz photons exactly match the excitation energy, this represents the optimally energy efficient switching regime, avoiding the localised heating that plagues current energy assisted data storage schemes. The key idea behind the project is to develop THz spintronics both as broadband THz emitters and as a technology capable of switching the magnetic state of a data storage element. The emitters will generate very strong pulses of THz radiation using emitters based on ultrathin layers of magnetic and non-magnetic metals. By exciting this system with an extremely short laser pulse (50 quadrillionths of a second), a transport of spins can be generated in the magnetic layer, which travels into the non-magnetic layer, resulting in the generation of an ultrashort burst of the electric current and the emission of a THz pulse. We will focus and concentrate this THz emission with an antenna onto another magnet, to switch a nanoscale magnetic bit. Our studies are expected to deliver unprecedented insights into the physics of light-magnetism interactions on extreme time and length scales while laying the fundament for the data storage technology of the future. The project is expected to cement an enduring collaboration with the bilateral partners providing a framework for new directions in the field of THz technology and ultrafast magnetism and spintronics.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-05

The next dimension of X-ray imaging is here! Five dimensional Colour X-ray Imaging enables the non-destructive 3D and 4D images to be complemented by a fifth chemistry dimension. Whilst the fundamental technology has been demonstrated it is, at present, inaccessible to most researchers due to the difficulty of acquisition and the processing of the vast multidimensional datasets it generates. In addition, slow speed acquisition of limited resolution images is a barrier to its utility. This project will build new Colour X-ray Imaging systems, create accessible workflows, including new reconstruction algorithms, machine learning analysis and sensor fusion, which will not only make the technology usable for a wide range of users but will overcome barriers in resolution and speed of detection. We will also be pushing forward our understanding on the detection limits and quantification of the compositional data recorded which is of crucial importance for greater uptake. We will combine hardware developments through the complementary use of hyperspectral, multispectral and conventional X-ray detectors. High speed, high resolution data will be collected via sensor fusion achieved through acquisition procedures through optimisation of the different detector types. Efficient and effective analysis of the data will be enabled through machine learning approaches to identify the relevant signals that demand reconstruction into a virtual 5D replica of the sample which include spatial, temporal and chemical dimensions. Lastly, the high-speed data acquisition with spectral information through data fusion will enable us to study chemical reactions in-situ, notably in the field of catalysis and batteries, while super-resolution image fusion will allow for unprecedented non-destructive 3D mapping of elements in natural minerals and synthetic materials, e.g. for the recycling of heavy metals from slags and electronic waste and rare earth elements from magnets. Merging multispectral and hyperspectral imaging will enable to push forward the development of staining materials and the applications of multiple staining methods for (bio)medical imaging.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-04

Nearly all plants are associated with mutualistic fungi which inhabit their roots. These mycorrhizal fungi provide the plants with a source of nutrients and in exchange, the plant provides the fungal partner with a source of carbon. Trees typically associate with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, which are critical to many processes within ecosystems including decomposition and nitrogen and carbon cycling. Different species of ECM fungi can differ in their ability to acquire nutrients or in the suite of functions that they carry out. Understanding what affects the species composition of ECM fungi is therefore important for a better overall understanding of nutrient cycling in soils, forest health, productivity and biodiversity. Individual species of ECM fungi compete for space on the roots of trees. Some fungi are likely to be better competitors for root space than others, but the best competitors are likely to perform less well in other important strategies, such as nutrient acquisition. These 'trade-offs', which mean the ability to perform optimally in one respect is associated with a decline in performance in another, are known to be a fundamental reason why so many species of macro-organisms can co-occur in a single habitat. However, the role that these trade-offs play in affecting mycorrhizal communities is poorly understood despite its probable importance in determining the species composition of these ecologically vital fungi. In the first part of this fellowship, I mechanistically tested the hypothesis that trade-offs between nutrient acquisition (the breadth of nitrogen that can be taken up) and carbon use (the ability to obtain plant carbon and persist when carbon supply is low) is a critical process driving the species of mycorrhizal fungi that can co-occur on individual plant roots. This was done using a series of experiments in the laboratory which allowed me to trace the quantities of carbon being supplied from the plant to individual specie of fungi, and in exchange how much nitrogen is being passed from the fungus to the plant. In the renewal phase of this fellowship, I will build upon the knowledge gained and test how the trade-offs demonstrated in the first phase can help explain the distribution and functioning of ECM fungal species in the field. I will do this by visiting intensively monitored forest plots across Europe, where the occurrence of key ECM fungal species is already known and can be linked to environmental conditions such as nitrogen availability. The UK's forests provide significant amenity, carbon-capture and timber value, whilst globally trees form hyper-diverse tropical rainforests, and hold significant stores of carbon in boreal ecosystems. As ECM fungi are a critical component of all tree-dominated ecosystems, the outputs from this project will provide high-quality insights into this key aspect of our natural environment, and help to develop future research, policy and forestry practice in the UK and beyond.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-04

Overall aim: We target a synthetic chemistry approach to switchable arrays of molecular quantum bits (qubits), using photo-active oligomers as colour-sensitive spin-triplet switches. Quantum information processing (QIP) could revolutionise how computing is performed and used across science and society. Here we propose a molecular approach to QIP, using molecules as qubits and as switches between the qubits. It builds on world-leading synthetic expertise at Glasgow in photo-active oligomers, with the transition between a spin singlet ground state and a spin triplet photo-excited state as the switch, and on world-leading chemistry in Manchester in making linked qubit arrays. The project is strongly focused on synthesis, intending to establish the framework for a molecular approach. The initial targets are [3]rotaxanes, where the qubits are linked by a single switch. These are an important milestone on the path towards [5]rotaxanes, where the qubits are linked by two distinct switches, which will allow us to switch on interactions selectively between qubit pairs. The characterisation of these very large supramolecules will be challenging, and involve advanced techniques including X-ray diffraction (if the supramolecules crystallise) and techniques such as small-angle X-ray scattering, NMR, ion-mobility mass spectrometry, pulsed EPR spectroscopy, when the supramolecules do not crystallise. The solution structures will also be calculated using molecular dynamic simulations. Physical studies of the [3]- and [5]rotaxanes will involve electrochemistry, which is a complementary technique allowing study of the supramolecules when the switch is a spin doublet (i.e. one unpaired electron) and Laser Induced Pulsed Dipolar Spectroscopy to study the supramolecules switch in the phototriplet state.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-04

Genetic diseases that affect widespread tissues like muscles or bones pose challenges for cell transplantation due to the need to target a large fraction of our body. Satellite cells, the canonical myogenic stem cells (Mauro et al. JCB 1961), do not migrate more than 1 or 2 mm away from the site of injection (Beauchamp et al. JCB 1999) so that numberless injections would be needed to target the majority of skeletal muscles. Mesoangioblasts (Mabs) are adventitial pericytes that can differentiate into skeletal muscle and cross the vessel wall  in the presence of inflammation (Minasi et al. Development 2002), thus offering a potential route for systemic administration. In 2011, after encouraging results in animal models (Sampaolesi et al. Science 2003; Sampaolesi et al. Nature 2006), we conducted a clinical trial based upon repeated intra-arterial injections of donor Mabs from HLA-matched siblings. The trial proved safe (though with a vascular adverse event) but not efficacious (Cossu et al. EMBO Mol Med 2015). Thus,  we developed a novel approach of ex vivo gene therapy, using autologous Mabs engineered to express a small nuclear RNA able to induce exon-skipping of exon 51 in the dystrophin gene. Since muscle fibres contain many nuclei, the small RNA diffuses into the resident neighbouring dystrophic nuclei within the fused fibres, thus amplifying dystrophin production to therapeutic levels (Galli et al. EMBO Mol Med 2024). Here we propose to overcome challenges in systemic delivery, thanks to the development and validation of a biocompatible, clinically-approved scaffold of laminin-coated polycaprolactone nanofibres that support efficient proliferation of mesoderm human cells. When transplanted in a subcutaneous pocket (a minimally invasive and repeatable procedure) of a DMD, immune deficient mouse, cells not only colonize the underlying dorsal muscle but also enter the general circulation through blood vessels rapidly grown into the scaffold; from there, they colonize all the muscles that we have analyzed including the diaphragm and the heart. We will optimize the experimental conditions such as time, number of cells, and eventual optimal number of subsequent implantations (aim 1), using both wt and DMD genetically corrected cells, at different cell numbers (aim 2); we will also  test colonization of the heart (aim 3), measuring functional recovery of motility and cardiac function. If successful,  this project will revolutionize cell delivery through the circulation, by eliminating the need for repeated, invasive arterial catheterizations that require general anesthesia and also fail to reach important muscles such as the diaphragm. Thus the success of this project would transform cell therapy for muscular dystrophies. Of notice this approach may subsequently be applied to other monogenic diseases of the mesoderm with a major impact on regenerative medicine.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-04

Research on two-dimensional (2D) materials and their van der Waals assemblies has expanded dramatically reaching beyond condensed matter physics and materials science, into such distant disciplines as life sciences and particle physics. Despite being relatively mature, the field shows no sign of withering. Even graphene, the most extensively studied 2D crystal, regularly reincarnates itself and, somewhat surprisingly, delivers breakthroughs every few years. For example, a wealth of new phenomena has recently been found in graphene superlattices whereas magic-angle twisted graphene has been celebrated for revealing exotic superconductivity and strongly correlated states. Devices made from high-quality graphene also provide fertile grounds for uncovering new low-dimensional and many-body physics. The applicant has been involved in 2D materials research from the very beginning. Over the last decade, his group has continued to report high-profile results and even initiated several new subfields including graphene superlattices, electron hydrodynamics, water and ion permeation through graphene oxide laminates, molecular transport through angstrom-scale 2D capillaries and proton transport through monolayer crystals. Based on the latest experiments and technological advances in the applicant's group, this proposal aims to explore the field of 2D materials further by pushing its boundaries on several fronts. Some of the proposed directions such as, for example, studies of the Planckian Dirac plasma are practically guaranteed to bring surprises and possibly germinate new subfields, while other directions (e.g., exponentially selective 2D membranes) are more adventurous. The unifying goal of all the proposed directions is to explore opportunities that remain abundant within the field of 2D materials and their assemblies, trying to find something new, exciting and potentially useful.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-04

The development of innovative and sustainable solutions for the manufacturing of fine chemicals from raw materials and chemical waste is a topical societal challenge. Within this context, alkenes are predominant carbon feedstocks, industrial by-products and biogenic compounds, thus there is an ever-growing demand for efficient, selective and green synthetic methods for their manipulation. State-of-the-art strategies for alkene functionalization often rely on the use of transition metal catalysts, in order to secure high levels of selectivity and efficiency. This, in turn, raises concerns over the cost, safety, and environmental impact of these processes. To meet this challenge, this proposal introduces a brand-new strategy for the metal-free, regio- and stereo-selective functionalization of unsaturated C–C bonds within alkenes, named Sew&Cut (S&C). This approach combines the selectivity and versatility of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions (1,3-DCs) – a fundamental transformation in organic chemistry, where 1,3-dipoles engage alkenes to form heterocycles – with the complexity-generating ability of radical reactivity. Specifically, by designing novel reagents containing both a 1,3-dipole precursor and a redox-active moiety (which generates radical species upon single electron transfer activation), we will click “raw atoms” across C–C double bonds, and shape them into synthetically useful functionalities by means of radical fragmentation reactions, triggered by electrochemical methods. This approach converts – in a single operation – “flat” ubiquitous feedstock into stereodefined three-dimensional fine chemicals, using electricity as the main source of energy. Furthermore, our strategy elevates a fundamental process in polar chemistry (1,3-DC) into a powerful synthetic tool for radical reactivity. Preliminary work in our group has demonstrated the successful implementation of the S&C strategy. Capitalizing on these studies, this project aims to expand the potential of our electrosynthetic approach, by implementing the following objectives: i) the development of new reagents enabling the programmable and selective syn-dicarbo-functionalization of alkenes, under electrochemical conditions; ii) the exploitation of these reagents to implement multicomponent reactions, leveraging on both the radical and polar reactivity of the intermediates formed during the electrochemical S&C process; and iii) the application of these radical multicomponent protocols to the development of asymmetric synergistic dual catalytic cascades, combining electrochemistry with both enantioselective organo- and Lewis-acid catalysis. This programme provides fresh opportunities for the design and development of a whole new class of reagents and reactions. These will be exploited to develop highly valuable multicomponent reactions, enabling the rapid and modular assembly of complex 3D-molecules, from simple and readily-available materials. Our research will enrich academic science with a new way for synthetic chemists to conceive and devise the functionalization of unsaturated C–C bonds. Meanwhile, it will impact UK industry and society by delivering sustainable synthetic procedures that take advantage of a renewable energy source (i.e. electricity) to convert noxious/redundant carbon feedstock into functional fine chemicals, new molecules, and building blocks for the manufacturing of medicines, materials and agrochemicals.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-04

Context The exploitation of enzyme catalysis both in vitro and in vivo is key to UK life science strategies, specifically to aspirations to engineer biology to deliver essential products with reduced energy usage and lower reliance on non-renewable sources. It also promises the delivery of exquisite positional and stereochemical control of chemical reactions that is so vital to the production of specialist chemicals. This study relates directly to these aspirations, and thereby sections 5.1 (Transformative technologies) and 5.3 (Advanced manufacturing and clean growth) of the current BBSRC Strategic Delivery Plan. While there have been many advances in the understanding of enzyme activity and their evolution using high-throughput methods, the state-of-the-art for the design of new catalysts remains seriously limited by gaps in understanding. Commonly, the outcome is low catalytic efficiency, single turnover enzymes, hampered by product inhibition. This is particularly apparent for enzymes that accelerate slow uncatalyzed reactions, which present the greatest challenge for the design of new enzymes. This vital gap in knowledge is starkly demonstrated by there being no designed enzymes to-date with significant domain opening/closing, a common feature of such enzymes.   Challenge The overall challenge is to ensure that the knowledge base relating to the fundamentals of enzyme catalysis is sufficiently broad and robust that the design of new enzymes becomes an efficient reality. Without a detailed understanding of all mechanisms in play, future AI approaches, like those that have made a step change in protein structure prediction, will be slow to develop the necessary accuracy. Our specific challenge is to address questions relating to how and why some native enzymes use large-scale domain opening/closing, and why some distal mutations greatly diminish catalysis and yet bind transition state analogues more tightly than the parent enzyme. We will achieve this by quantitively analysing how enzymes exploit conformational entropy stores, first identified by our preliminary studies. These stores represent in-built thermodynamic helpers that prevent enzymes being inefficient, single turnover catalysts and likely assist domain opening/closing.   Aims and Objectives Our overall aim is to make a crucial step change in the knowledge base as to how enzymes deliver enormous catalytic efficiency for very slow uncatalyzed reactions. Specifically, we will examine how entropy stores are used in tandem with the domain opening/closing process that is characteristic of such enzymes, thereby enabling unhindered multiple turnovers by circumventing crippling levels of substrate/product inhibition. To achieve our aims, we will target three objectives that address key and general questions relating to how entropy stores are utilised in tandem with the domain opening/closing process. While we will focus on an archetypal enzyme that catalyses an inherently very slow phosphoryl transfer reaction, we will determine the extent to which such mechanisms are utilised in another phosphoryl transfer enzyme, and an enzyme for an unrelated reaction. Specifically, the three questions that we will address are: (i) How does an enzyme for a very slow uncatalyzed reaction utilise entropy stores to assist the chemical step? (ii) How does an enzyme ensure efficient opening/closing to enable optimum activity and efficient product release? (iii) To what level is this approach retained in enzymes for faster uncatalyzed reactions?   Potential applications and benefits The potential applications of our results span the enormous spectrum of scenarios in which improved enzyme catalysis plays a role, from specialist chemicals production to recycling plastics.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive tumour, characterised by rapidly acquired chemoresistance and disease progression. Approximately 80% of patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis resulting in a median survival of less than one year. Development of new treatments is hampered by insufficient understanding of SCLC biology and a lack of actionable driver mutations. Most SCLC tumours contain two different tumour cell types, the majority being neuroendocrine (NE) with a small subset of non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) tumour cells. A phenotype switch from NE to non-NE, likened to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in epithelial tumours, generates the non-NE phenotype. Importantly, co-operation between NE and non-NE SCLC cells is required for metastasis in mouse models. We propose that this phenotype transition presents a vulnerability that could be inhibited to impede metastasis. Inhibiting the transition would also maximise the benefit of chemotherapy as non-NE cells are more chemoresistant than NE cells. The NE to non-NE transition is known to be driven by the transcriptional regulators NOTCH1 and MYC; however, the downstream molecular events that drive it are poorly understood. This application will build on our recent publication demonstrating a role for the small GTPase RAC1 in SCLC NE cell survival as well as our pilot data revealing elevated RAC1 activity in non-NE cells and a role for RAC1 signalling in promoting NE to non-NE transition. RAC1 is a molecular switch, cycling between inactive GDP and active GTP-bound forms, which regulates many processes within cells. Amongst these, and relevant for this proposal, active RAC1 has an established role in stimulating signalling cascades that rewire gene expression and induce membrane protrusions and substrate adhesion to drive migration and invasion of cells during metastasis. Given the established roles of RAC1 signalling in migration/invasion of other cancer cells, this proposal aims to decipher not only the molecular mechanisms by which RAC1 promotes the NE to non-NE transition but also the mechanisms by which RAC1 signalling stimulates invasion and metastasis of SCLC. Our aims are: The identification of proteins that activate RAC1 to drive NE to non-NE transition. The direct activation of RAC1 can be performed by one of more than 40 proteins in addition to multiple other regulators of RAC1 GTP-hydrolysis, stability and localisation. Therefore, we will identify which of these regulators is responsible for RAC1 activation during the NE to non-NE transition. Understanding the mechanism by which RAC1 drives the NE to non-NE transition. This will include the identification of downstream effectors of RAC1 and exploring how these drive the transition. Studying NE and non-NE cell interactions to understand how these two cell types cooperate to promote invasion, the first step of the metastatic process. Specifically, we will investigate how targeting RAC1 signalling in non-NE cells influences SCLC invasion and metastasis. This work addresses the poor understanding of the NE to non-NE transition and the cooperation between NE and non-NE cells during invasion and metastasis in order to identify potential therapeutic targets. This application benefits from the synergy between internationally leading expertise in RAC1 signalling biology in the Malliri group, in SCLC translational research in the Simpson/Dive group, and in thoracic oncology in the adjacent Christie Hospital, allowing for continued close collaboration between investigators with deep and highly specialised expertise in basic, translational and clinical SCLC research.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Gender inequalities are a worldwide issue with considerable social and economic costs. Current policy interventions lack effectiveness, resulting in women still being underrepresented in some occupational roles, bearing most of family responsibilities, and being disproportionately victims of abuse and violence. Gender inequalities affect mostly women and LGBT communities and intersect with other factors like class, ethnicity and age, but they also impact men who perform stereotypically feminine practices. These inequalities are systematically reproduced in everyday interactions, endorsing gendered expectations in social structures (i.e. at home, in schools, public and private organizations). Gender studies have recognised the importance of social networks in forming, reproducing and challenging gender stereotypes, although they have not specified the exact social network mechanisms that may endorse or contest them. Social network scholars instead largely use gender as an exogenous category, but they rarely make it the focus of social network theory. The goal of this project is to identify the social network mechanisms linking gendered micro-interactions to the macro-inequalities that systematically frame opportunities and constraints of men and women. In doing so, the project aims to address the gaps in gender studies and in social network research by - introducing gendered generative mechanisms for the formation, reproduction and modification of social networks and outcomes and - providing evidence for the role of social networks in producing and reproducing gender inequalities. The project investigates 1) if gender impacts how people form, maintain and dissolve social networks, and what outcomes they obtain from these networks, where outcomes can be status or economic returns, but also social isolation and stigmatization; 2) if gendered social network formations and outcomes vary depending on the type of relationship: not only positive relationships providing support, but also negative and ambivalent relationships; 3) if gendered network mechanisms and outcomes vary depending on the context in which they operate, i.e., national domains, schools, organizations, where gender cultures and policies may differ. The project will capitalise on the large amount of data publicly accessible for which the information on social networks and the characteristics of individuals (i.e. gender) is available. Specifically, we want to focus on personal networks over the lifetime; school networks; organizational networks; and covert and Illicit networks. The units of analysis in social network research are the relationships linking individuals, together with relationships' and individuals' characteristics. These units of analysis are not independent, as by virtue of being related individuals influence each other in how they manage both their relationships and their behaviours. Such type of data needs ad hoc methodologies that account for data dependencies, which will be employed in this project. Results will advance our understanding of gendered social network mechanisms, originally contributing to the academic debate addressing gender inequalities and their intersectionality with other factors. Contributions will be in the form of a book contract focusing on the main empirical results across the research domains; a scientific article in a high impact factor interdisciplinary journal illustrating systematic gender differences in social networks and outcomes; and three briefing documents which will feed into two grant proposals. In these proposals, we will extend the investigation of gender inequalities to non-binary people and to other research domains, and we will plan the design of ad hoc gender sensitive social network toolkits to facilitate the balancing out of gender inequalities in our research domains.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

CHaMP (Circularity in Healthcare Materials Provision) is a collaboration between Bupa Ltd. and the University of Manchester (UoM). This 3-year project explores circular pathways for the diverse materials enabling healthcare provision, using interdisciplinary methods to unpick opportunities, barriers and unintended consequences for reuse, mechanical recycling and depolymerisation in health clinics, dental practices, and care homes. The project explores material selection, social practice, product segregation, sterilization and quantified sustainability to create actionable circular solutions across Bupa’s 380 dental practices, 80 health clinics, 130 care homes and the Cromwell Hospital. The project builds from an emerging research partnership between the two organisations specifically in efforts to improve the sustainability of healthcare. The proposal has been co-created to both maximise potential impact and explore the fundamental challenges in circularising healthcare materials. Integrating assessments of social practice and life cycle impacts of proposed fates optimises systemic sustainability. This new way of assessing the intersections between economic efficiency, climate change, material selection and waste management is to be explored in the medical sector for the first time, building on strong motivation in the sector for sustainable change. While the scale and harm of material consumption in the healthcare sector has been defined, the consequences of reduced consumption, reuse models and alternative materials is hidden. This partnership will explore the fundamental engineering and material science questions that will enable authentic reduction in environmental footprints in material provision in healthcare settings. Changes in material selection and segregation, for both reuse and recycling, in clinical settings where alignment with patient outcomes and logistical limitations are paramount, are challenging and require fundamental research to understand and overcome. But there is no panacea: potential fates of reuse, mechanical recycling and chemical depolymerisation must be incorporated together into sustainable systems. The quantification of sustainability impacts – and the comparison of relative impacts across embodied carbon, use case scenarios, and end-of-life fates – is essential to deliver sustainable solutions. The project sits at an important nexus point between strategic areas of research. These are opportunities to not just reshape circularity for Bupa but to provide a game-changing shift in healthcare provision. Further added value emerges on the academic side of the partnership, building a critical mass of interdisciplinary researchers able to articulate the complexity of sustainable material transitions and transfer that knowledge into a global industry leader. Within the EPSRC's Net Zero landscape, Manufacturing and the Circular Economy is a key enabler to a carbon-neutral future and this sector-focussed approach will showcase how to enable industry to both make internal changes while also providing avenues for environmental stewardship and sector-wide leadership. The overall objectives of the research programme are to: Develop a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between social practice and material provision, defining segregation opportunities for reuse and recycling that maintain clinical outcomes. Understand the relationship between material selection and reuse breakeven points in healthcare settings, improving the sustainability of reuse through minimising the footprint of sterilization and designing lower footprint materials. Establish high volume clinical waste streams to create value in mechanical recycling and chemical depolymerization and identify the pre-treatment steps required. Quantify the environmental impacts of proposed fates to optimise system sustainability and develop materials hierarchies for the material flows in the provision of healthcare. We are applying through Route 1 of the Prosperity Partnerships Programme.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT) is a new CDT in Robotics and AI (RAI) which will train and develop the next generation of multi-disciplinary robotic systems engineers. These engineers will be trained in both research and commercialization of RAI, and will help revolutionise lifecycle asset management of critical infrastructure in support of the UK's Net Zero Strategy. The research focus of the CDT will be on how RAI can provide step-changes at each stage of the lifecycle of Net Zero energy generation assets through the adoption of new innovative technologies, workflows, etc., which will increase safety, reduce costs, and enhance the overall viability of such systems. Initially there will be a focus on the use of RAI in operations & maintenance, through inspection, maintenance, and repair activities, and the decommissioning of infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion). The research in the CDT will also support the decarbonization of these phases for assets across a diverse range of sectors. The scope of research will expand through the lifetime of the CDT to address the other lifecycle phases: Design, Logistics, Construction and Recycling. The RAINZ CDT is a partnership between three of the UKs leading Universities and represents an unparalleled critical mass of complimentary end-to-end robotic systems research capabilities, facilities and sustainability expertise. It has been co-created with leading industrial partners in the Net Zero sector to address the national challenge that "advanced robotics requires highly skilled workers such as engineers, leading to a need to train new workers". RAI used in the energy sector are often deployed into complex, hazardous and high-value environments, but significant barriers, both technological and cultural, are limiting its estimated economic yield to £0.6B gross value added (GVA) by 2035 instead of a potential £23B GVA. Overcoming these barriers is a key focus of this CDT. In addition to addressing a vital national need, it will support local initiatives, such as the Blenheim Palace Solar Farm in Oxford. It will also support the levelling-up agenda across the three host cities, as well as in West Cumbria through the Robotics and AI Collaboration (RAICo) facility, which has been established to build an innovation pipeline for new RAI solutions in both the nuclear and other sectors. The RAINZ CDT will adopt an innovative cohort training and research model to ensure graduates are not only subject matter experts, but have highly valuable skills in teamworking, multi-disciplinary systems integration, industrial engagement, and commercialisation. Each cohort will be recruited to conduct research directed towards an industry co-created cross-sector challenge which will evolve for each new cohort. Cohort 1's challenge will be Autonomous Environmental Interactions in Constrained Environments. PhD projects for each cohort will be co-created with industry to address gaps in enabling science and technologies through both fundamental and applied research. Robots are highly complex systems drawing on a diverse range of research areas. Whilst RAINZ students will undertake their own individual research, it will be significantly enhanced through collaborations with others. There will be annual research sprints where the cohort will come together to demonstrate elements of their research on industry defined demonstrator scenarios. The CDT will create an innovation pipeline that will produce high-quality, highly skilled and employable Robotic Systems Engineers with an aim that at least 50% - 75% of the graduates are employed in robotics industries. It has an ambition to have supported the creation of 5 spin-out companies and the submission of at least 5 Fellowship proposals.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

If successful, this work will allow the full range of NMR experiments to be available at full sensitivity even for convecting and flowing systems. Why does this matter? Liquid state NMR is an essential analytical tool for chemists as NMR is arguably the most powerful method available for accessing information about the structures and dynamics of molecules in solution, and for monitoring reactions. It underpins research and development across the EPSRC remit and is critical in many areas of chemistry and materials. This proposal will produce a new set of NMR experiments that significantly increase the performance of current NMR instrumentation. Low sensitivity is intrinsic to the NMR technique and in some cases, this is exacerbated by motion within the liquid sample. Many of the most powerful NMR methods use pulsed field gradients (PFGs) to ensure clean spectra by removing spurious signals. Almost all of these methods currently require that the sample liquid remain absolutely stationary. The liquid motion can arise from intentional flow - e.g. for reaction monitoring, where a sample is recirculated from a reactor - or unintentional convection, which occurs in nearly all samples. Flowing a sample through an NMR spectrometer allows real-time analysis, with minimal perturbation, in reaction monitoring and chromatography. This is an area of steadily growing importance and has become available to a larger audience thanks to modern less expensive, and more portable, low-field instruments. Convection affects almost all samples and is of particular concern for systems that use cryogenically cooled detectors 'cryoprobes' which are susceptible to temperature gradients and the sensitivity of this expensive equipment is usually not realised. The big temperature gradients in cryoprobes leads to rapid convection in the sample liquid. Similar losses happen in normal probes with room temperature coils if the sample is maintained at a temperature above or below that of the probe. Such "variable temperature" or "VT" experiments are in everyday use for studying the rates of chemical processes, and for measuring spectra of samples such as polymers that need to be heated to dissolve. In both cases, the new family of flow tolerant NMR experiments to be developed in this proposal will be transformative. Current NMR equipment will be enabled to operate at its maximum and intended sensitivity, and the full range of modern NMR methods will become accessible in real-time reaction monitoring. This project will develop new flow-tolerant PFG NMR methods for chemists that reverse the effects of sample motion on the NMR signal, restoring lost sensitivity and enabling the full range of powerful PFG experiments to be used both in cryoprobes and variable temperature experiments, and in flowing samples. The impacts will be felt in a wide range of academic and industrial research areas, including pharmaceutical and natural product chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmacy, petrochemistry, agrochemistry, healthcare, and flavours and fragrances.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Intrinsic circadian rhythms and associated daily rhythms in light exposure pervade essentially all aspects of physiology and behaviour. Nowhere is this more apparent than in our daily sleep and wake cycles, a known critical determinant of health, wellbeing, and productivity. It is alarming, therefore, that there is a widespread prevalence of circadian and sleep disturbances across the population, driven in no small part by our modern lifestyles (reduced daylight exposure and greatly increased exposure to light at night, shift work, jetlag, etc.) and associated with increased risks of chronic disease (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease and various forms of cancer) and reduced quality of life. Despite many decades of research, understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in the daily regulation of our sleep-wake cycles remains incomplete. Building on recent developments in the field and our exciting new preliminary data, this proposal will directly address these issues to provide new insight into the mechanism by which light and the circadian system regulate daily sleep-wake cycles, with the potential to open new avenues reducing circadian/sleep disturbances in humans and animals and, therefore, of direct relevance to BBSRC strategic priorities of 'Healthy ageing across the life course' and 'Animal Health'. Until recently it seemed all the key sleep-promoting brain regions had been identified. Remarkably, however, recent advances in intersectional genetic approaches have identified a brain region that had previously only been viewed as an accessory structure associated with sleep-related physiological changes (e.g., osmoregulation), as a critical regulator of the sleep-wake cycle - the supraoptic nucleus (SON). Indeed, direct activations of a specific population of SON neurons strongly promote slow-wave sleep, whereas conditional ablation or suppression caused diminished sleep. Cells of the SON express the molecular circadian clock machinery and we show these cells sustain intrinsic rhythms in electrical activity and receive strong and direct circadian signals from the mammalian master circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Given that the SON also receives direct retinal input and is well-connected to other known sleep-wake centres of the brain, we propose the SON is a previously overlooked key brain hub for the daily/circadian control of the sleep-wake cycle. Here, we draw on the complementary skills and expertise of the project team to comprehensively test this overarching hypothesis, by combining innovative approaches for brain circuit manipulation and mapping, in and ex vivo, sophisticated machine-learning and data assimilation mathematics, with comprehensive physiological and behavioural measurements, both in mice and our powerful new day-active rodent model (Rhabdomys). Using these approaches, we will: 1) Comprehensively map the intrinsic ionic mechanisms driving daily excitability rhythms in the SON sleep regulatory neurons; 2) Define how circadian and light information via SCN and retinal inputs in processed and integrated across the SON network; 3) Confirm the roles of SCN and retinal inputs to SON in regulating the sleep-wake cycles in behaving mice and 4) Identify mechanisms responsible for the inverted relationship between sleep and the environmental light-dark cycle in day vs. night-active mammals. Collectively, we expect this work to drive a step-change in our understanding of the brain mechanisms responsible for daily and circadian control of the sleep-wake cycle and much-needed insights into how these mechanisms differ between nocturnal and diurnal mammals (such as ourselves), with the potential to inform future practical applications intended to promote human or animal health.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

The Cockcroft Institute (CI) is an internationally leading centre for Accelerator Science and Engineering. It is a collaboration between accelerator experts (academics, researchers, engineers, technicians and PhD students) at the Universities of Liverpool, Lancaster, Manchester and Strathclyde and the STFC Accelerator Science Technology Centre. Its mission is to perform world class research on accelerators of all types. The CI has significant activity in three themes, a) Scientific frontier facilities and underpinning technologies, b) Novel Acceleration Techniques and c) Application of accelerators in addressing global challenges. Underpinning technologies include high-power radiofrequency electromagnetic energy generation, beam instrumentation and sustainability. Scientific frontier facilities are microscopes for fundamental or applied sciences. The proposed UK X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) will allow UK researchers to understand the structure of new materials or how chemical reactions occur in unparalleled detail. International accelerator projects, with a large UK involvement, like the upgrade to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and Electron Ion Collider (EIC) will elucidate the structure of matter at a fundamental level. Developments in plasma physics and advanced materials are providing a route to more compact and higher energy accelerators. The Novel Acceleration Techniques theme covers beam and laser-driven plasma acceleration, the careful manipulation and acceleration of beams using terahertz electromagnetic waves and blue sky ideas in completely new, ultra-compact structures to accelerate charged particles. Accelerators are widely used devices beyond fundamental research. Application of accelerators in addressing global challenges includes the use of accelerators to produce therapeutic photon, electron, proton, and ion beams to treat cancer, beams to process textiles, cross-link polymers, and security X-ray imaging. This is done in partnership with UKRI, CRUK, NHS, and companies like Rapiscan and Varian.  Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in the developed world. The Cockcroft plans to perform research to improve the usage of proton beams to treat cancer, in collaboration with the Christie Hospital Proton Therapy Centre. Internationally a race is to bring very high-energy electron beam therapy to the clinic, and Cockcroft is central to and leading in this area. The Cockcroft Institute supports unique accelerator facilities at the STFC Daresbury Laboratory. CLARA (Compact Linear Accelerator for Research and Applications) is an electron accelerator which will produce free electron laser-like beams which can be exploited at FEBE (Full Energy Beam Exploitation at CLARA) for high-energy electron research and novel acceleration experiments. Additionally, the Cockcroft has created two shielded bunkers for terahertz and radio-frequency research. The facilities are unique and world-leading and form a foundation of cutting-edge research. Particle accelerators are often used but not well understood by the public at large. Members of the Cockcroft Institute lead or contribute to award-winning public engagement and outreach activities, including a well-selling book “Collisions” and “Physics of Star Wars” talks. The Cockcroft Institute core grant supports at a foundational level the research across all three research themes. The Cockcroft Institute then leverages significant additional financial support from UKRI (e.g. STFC, EPSRC), the European Union, and International laboratories (e.g. CERN, JLab). The Cockcroft Institute trains and educates around 15 PhD students and 10 post-doctoral researchers per annum. These highly skilled people find employment in the wider economy and accelerator laboratories.          

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Context: Around 3.2 million people in the UK currently have a sight impairment, and this is set to rise to 3.8 million by 2032. 80% of people are aged 65 years or older, creating an issue for older people with multiple medications. Around 1,708 deaths occur each year from avoidable medication errors costing the NHS £98 million. People with sight loss are at increased risk of these errors and we set out to understand why. The Challenge: Our co-design workshops brought together people with sight impairments and community pharmacists. We learnt i) the major issues people struggled with were telling medications apart, and accessing medication labels and product information (safety) leaflets. It meant medication may be taken incorrectly, putting them at increased risk of errors, we then brainstormed ii) potential solutions that ranged from 1:1 consultations with community pharmacists, creating of an in my shoes video and additional training for community pharmacists. In trying to map 1:1 consultations we realised community pharmacy had no failsafe way to identify people with sight impairments since not everyone has a guide dog or uses a long cane (white stick). Our solution: FLAG-Me Vision software was co-produced to enable community pharmacists to identify people with sight impairments form existing information already coded in the health record. This then alerts the pharmacy staff, allowing them to offer additional assistance in the form of a 1:1 consultation around medication safety. This 'safe space' allows pharmacists guided by our website of resources to discuss suitable strategies such as adding tactile markers,  providing large font labels or audio version of safety information, which should lead to a reduction in errors in this at risk group. The software has been integrated within open source software. We are currently funded by a Confidence for Translation award (MRC IAA until May 2025) to integrate our software with a leading pharmacy software supplier using one of our four proposed integration models. The search element of the software underwent testing on Greater Manchester Care Record identifying 35,000 cases of sight impairment - within 12-15% of RNIBs predicted prevalence rate. We will then test its’ operability in one real-world community pharmacy setting. Aims & Objectives: This Healthy Ageing Accelerator award would allow us to run a brief 3-month pilot in a further 10 community pharmacies to collect: - user feedback via think aloud interviews (pharmacists) and qualitative interviews (pharmacists and patients) - service use including the % uptake of 1:1 consultations and to document any safety adaptations made to medications - staff grade and time spent delivering the 1:1 to allow costing the potential delivery of this service which could be of interest to local ICBs. Potential applications and benefits: Identification of people with sight impairments would allow a more person-centred tailored approach to medication safety - already highlighted as a global strategy. Our software team have created a similar product FLAG-Me Sound to help identify people with hearing impairments, and we expect to include memory & concentration, and British Sign Language users in later proposals. Although developed for use in community pharmacy, we have interest from hospital pharmacies and clinical pharmacists based in GP practices. Flagging hidden impairments would help redress health inequities more widely in terms of promoting better access to services more widely.  

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Impactful research and development requires robust data management. While centralised repositories and large-scale international collaborations are tackling high-level data management problems, approaches for capturing the underlying, everyday research processes are often left to individual researchers or groups. Across UK HEIs there is little standardisation, even within disciplines, around record keeping. An array of digital technologies exist alongside handwritten notes, leaving research records fragmented, and limiting interoperability, sharing and collaboration. The growing complexity of research and data, a greater focus from funders on FAIR data sharing and reuse, and the increasing need to verify and authenticate research mean HEIs are looking to implement new processes to support research record keeping. This includes Digital Notebooks, commonly referred to as Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs). (We use the term Digital Notebooks to reflect their utility beyond traditional laboratory research).  Industries such as the biotech sector have embraced the benefits these tools bring in supporting intellectual property (IP) and data integrity. While there are discreet examples of HEIs implementing Digital Notebooks in the UK and beyond(1), uptake remains low. Therefore, there is a need for research to understand the best ways to implement Digital Notebooks to meet the diverse needs of researchers. To address this question, we propose conducting a research programme based around the ongoing implementation of Digital Notebooks at the University of Manchester. Roll out is being driven by the Research Lifecycle Programme and the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute whose ongoing activities provide an ideal opportunity to identify specific, actionable barriers to implementation and to test the efficacy of interventions at an individual, technical and institutional level. We will share these evidence-based findings in an Implementation Report allowing other HEIs to learn from this process when implementing and deploying their own Digital Notebooks. Some general barriers to implementation1 include: cost; technical questions around data integrity and storage; challenges of accessibility in different research settings (such as field work); concerns over applicability to different disciplines (as the tools are often marketed in STEM-focused terms); time required to adopt new approaches; and an overall lack of training and awareness in Digital Notebook use. Our research will provide quantitative (costs, timings, user interactions) and qualitative (surveys, interviews, co-creation workshops and community events) evidence, shared in an open and transparent way, to understand and overcome these barriers. We will place these findings in the wider UK R&D context, aligning with the Research and development (R&D) people and culture strategy, to create guidance which is mindful of the burdens of system change on individuals, but also informed by the opportunities these changes bring. We will work with partner organisations in the USA and Europe to ensure the resulting guidance reflects international best practice.   Higgins (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-021-00645-8 

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Background Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of genetic eye conditions that affect the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals processed by the brain to create the images that we see. IRD can cause blindness from birth or gradual vision loss over time. In the UK, IRD affects over 1 in 3000 people, making it the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults and the second most common cause of blindness in children (1). Globally, more than 5.5 million people are affected, with significant economic, societal, emotional, and psychological impacts (2,3). IRD is caused by mutations (errors in the DNA sequence) in over 300 genes that are important for normal retinal function (4). Identifying the specific gene mutation in a patient is essential for accurately diagnosing their condition, predicting disease progression, and accessing emerging gene-therapy treatments and personalised care (5). However, despite genetic testing, 40-50% of IRD patients remain without a genetic diagnosis (6). This is mainly due to (i) limitations in current sequencing methods used to read and analyse DNA, and (ii) significant gaps in understanding the genes and disease mechanisms linked to IRD. Goals This project aims to improve the diagnosis and understanding of IRD by combining clinical, computational and laboratory approaches, addressing a significant unmet need. Leveraging my expertise in genomic data analysis (PhD, University of Exeter) and IRD clinical experience (IRD Genetics Fellowship, Moorfields Eye Hospital; MEH), and supported by preliminary data from Fight for Sight and Sight Research UK awards, this research builds on my success in improving patient care by identifying genetic diagnoses for over 50 previously undiagnosed patients. The main goals of the project are to: Improve IRD diagnosis, by: (a) Detecting disease-causing mutations missed by standard genetic testing (b) Discovering new genes causing IRD (c) Clarifying the disease-causing potential of uncertain mutations 2. Improve understanding of IRD, by: (a) Determining the impact of new IRD genes on retinal structure and function (b) Exploring how IRD gene changes affect gene activity and disease severity State-of-the-art long-read sequencing (LRS) technology, capable of analysing very long stretches of DNA as single molecules, will be used to overcome limitations of conventional “short-read” methods, enabling investigation of previously inaccessible gene regions and mutations. LRS will also be used to study gene activity, and be adapted for simultaneous targeting of multiple genes, representing innovative approaches in IRD research. Conducted at MEH and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology (UCL-IoO), this research accesses a large and ethnically diverse IRD patient group (>5000; 25% African and South Asian), ensuring broad relevance across diverse populations. Extensive clinical data (MEH) and genetic sequencing data (Genomics England, NIHR BioResource) are available for these patients. Established collaborations will expand access to more patients and molecular biology expertise, ensuring the necessary data and expertise for planned experiments in the project. Why this matters This project aims to improve how we analyse genetic data in real-world clinical practice, leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses for patients and facilitating access to appropriate treatments. Additionally, this study aims to deepen our understanding of disease pathways in IRD, potentially identifying targets for future treatments that could help prevent blindness.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Urban geographers have emphasized the dwindling significance of productive work, gradual physical displacement and expulsion of labour, and rise of speculative finance-dominated urbanism in contemporary Indian megacities (Goldman 2015; Sanyal and Bhattacharya 2009). In such conditions, the threat of "wageless life" (Denning 2010), as evidenced by the growth of insecure low-paid jobs, work "beyond the wage" (Montieth et al. 2021), and unemployment, looms increasingly larger over the futures of ordinary people. From the perspective of global labour history, rather than being a new norm of labour relations, the turn towards informalization signifies the real norm of insecurity and precariousness that has dominated labour relations in the Global South (Breman and van der Linden, 2014). Using a multi-sited, mixed methods approach combining oral history interviews with migrant informal(ised) construction and maintenance workers and their families, archival research at colonial and post-colonial archives in India and the UK, and key informant interviews with housing and labour organizers conducted over 10 months of fieldwork, this project traces how the informalization, deregulation, and expropriation of the unpaid labour of migrant workers, working-class women, and agrarian households has been a fundamental precondition to and continued basis for urban economic development in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). By centering less sectorally legible forms of infrastructural labour (Gidwani 2015) performed by migrant workers, unwaged forms of provisional labour (Elson 2000) performed by working women, and more-than-urban questions of gender, land, and caste, this project contributes to ongoing debates in labour geography, urban geography, and critical development studies. Focusing on the transformations and continuities in the everyday socio-political and working lives of informal workers and their families in Delhi's building construction industry through the long twentieth century, this project helps disentangle informal labour both from its ahistorical association with 'southern underdevelopment' and conflation with neoliberal regimes of flexible accumulation. In so doing, it reveals how labour informality was actively constructed through the privatised regulation of key aspects of the labour process (including recruitment and control) and of labour's social reproduction (including the family, housing, food and other essentials of urban life) and inscribed into processes of urban development and transformation. While the extant literature on labour geography in Delhi has focused on working life in outward looking and globally connected industries such as garment and auto-manufacturing, or newer patterns of gig-and platform-based work, my research enriches our understanding of so-called "surplus populations" who flit in and out of domestic and "immodern" industries and wage relations, and grounds how their labour continues to provide invisible subsidies to urban development. As "crises of reproduction" (Fraser 2016) induced by austerity surge in the Global North, the findings of this project also support extending the concept of informality to understand different historical and contemporary regimes of "precarity." Finally by tracing informal workers strategies of adaptation and visions of social change, this research forefronts a labour-centred view of just cities and labour-led urban development. As such it raises important questions for how to enact political transformation, as well as policy-centred and advocacy-based interventions into the future of urban work. The fellowship will provide me with the opportunity to disseminate these findings to academics, labour advocacy groups, and policymakers, generate greater public engagement, build my professional networks, and develop my grant-writing skills to prepare for a successful academic career.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

The NXCT is a National Research Facility (NRF) in X-ray computed tomography (XCT) that forms a partnership between Manchester, Southampton, UCL and Warwick Universities and Diamond Light Source. We provide a single point of access to world-class XCT facilities for researchers, in academia and industry, across a wide array of research areas, ensuring the technique remains accessible whilst we continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable. Operational since Nov 2020, we have met all our beam day targets over our first 3 years, delivering 2158 beam days across the NCXT partner facilities, to 666 unique users from 222 organisations. This includes 650 academic projects and 83 industry projects. In May we had our mid-term review and we were awarded “exceptional performance” from the expert panel who were enthusiastic about our scientific outputs and technical development along with our user service and management. As we look to further expand our capabilities and user-base it is essential to continue to add to and update our existing equipment and infrastructure to maintain our reputation as a state-of-the-art facility enabling high quality scientific research. The items we are requesting in this proposal will ensure we continue current operations and add capability through novel equipment and high-spec computing hardware. All the items meet the objective of benefitting multiple users in one or more departments as they will be made available to all NXCT users as well as students and researchers at the partner institutions. Most of the items meet the “invest to save” objective as they replace or expand on existing equipment. A significant portion of NXCT users are PhD students or Early Career Researchers and our free access scheme has supported many as new users or with proof of concept and blue-sky ideas that may translate to grant proposals. In summary the requested items are: At Manchester: High-spec computer workstations for advanced analysis. Five new workstations in the NXCT Digital Imaging Lab will replace old systems, for increased stability and throughput and access to the latest algorithms, increasingly AI-based solutions, for data analysis and training. At Southampton: Deben rig controller and AI-optimised computing cluster. A rig controller to allow user access to high load in-situ experiments and a workstation cluster specifically for training AI models, to be paired with graphics tablets to make producing manual segmentations to train the models easier and faster. At Warwick: Scatter correction technology for improved metrological accuracy. An advanced scatter correction technology to minimise the scatter signal, in Warwick’s Waygate system, to increase the image quality and subsequently the measure confident. At UCL: Robotic arm, X-ray generator and 4X lens. An addition to UCLs novel phase contrast system to provide auto-sample changes, allowing experiments to run 24/7 for increased throughput and experiment length and novel source trajectories. An X-ray generator to underpin a new system to enable novel methods and a Zeiss lens replacement.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Advanced and sustainable photonic materials are impossible to imagine without new chemical discoveries. The key merit of the proposed research project: “Development of Advanced Carbene-Metal-based Multiresonant Luminophores” - is to realize superior light-emitting materials via cutting-edge chemical discovery. This research proposal aims to establish a new collaboration between the two world-leading research teams in the UK (Dr Romanov, University of Manchester) and Japan (Prof Takuji Hatakeyama, University of Kyoto) to build on their current research success, unite their efforts and progress the discovery/development of the advanced luminescent materials. Organometallic multi-resonant (MR) thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) materials with unprecedented electronic properties, i.e., ultra short excited state lifetime, unity luminescence quantum yields, narrow luminescence profile (high colour purity) will be developed. We believe that these properties, coupled with the superior stability of the material, are of vital importance to solve one of the most acute problems and challenges in organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) technology – the absence of the highly efficient and long-lasting material to realize a deep-blue OLED. This will be achieved by capitalizing on the research expertise of the UK and Japan teams to design new multi-resonant (MR) carbene-metal-amides (CMA-MR) and carbene-metal-acetylides (CMA-MR). The proposed research targets are unknown in the literature necessitating new international collaboration to rapidly advance the research field and create long-sought luminescent materials for lighting and display (TV, smartphones, touchpads, augmented/virtual reality) applications. Capitalizing on the UK and Japan teams’ experience in materials design, we will develop sustainable light-emitting materials based on abundant elements, such as copper, to minimize the use of scarce elements (gold, platinum, iridium) while maintaining energy efficiency and promising stability characteristics. Sustainability and environmental aspects are particularly important, considering that the proposed materials could be the key components for the mass market of future display and lighting devices. Our sustainable materials, coupled with the energy-saving OLED technology, will avoid the creation of future problems for the next generations. Therefore, the proposed advanced luminophore materials will contribute to reaching the ambitious target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and comply with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) 2030 Agenda.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-02

Power transformers play a crucial role in electric power transmission and distribution systems, being both expensive and strategically important. Their prolonged efficient operation is essential to prevent long-term power outages. With tens of thousands of transformers worldwide approaching the end of their typical 30-40 year lifespan, the question of recycling becomes significant. Remarkably, around 95% of a power transformer's materials could potentially be recycled. Recognizing the importance of a circular economy, the European Commission adopted a Circular Economy plan in 2020, aiming to shift from a linear "take, make, dispose" model to a circular one where waste becomes a new resource. While the initial focus was on energy efficiency in transformers, the impact of materials is not negligible. The upcoming revision of the eco-design regulation for transformers in 2023 will introduce new requirements on material efficiency. The proposed project will develop research on transformer retrofilling with alternative or recycled insulating liquids. This technique is based on the replacement of the mineral oil of a transformer in service with a biodegradable and less-flammable fluid. The procedure would lead to safer and more environmentally friendly transformers and could allow the application of higher loads, deferring the replacement of equipment in service. However, the technique has not been sufficiently studied, it is needed to evaluate the impact of retrofilling on the operation of the transformer and to assess its economic and technical feasibility. Project's researchers have applied the circular economy concept to power transformers in various ways during project definition: a) Evaluating the efficient use of materials throughout a transformer's life cycle (renewable or re-refined oils instead of conventional oils) b) Lifetime extension through dielectric and thermal design review and guidance on operation and maintenance.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-02

Geodesy measures the Earth’s time-variable size, shape, and gravity. Its role is fundamental to various scientific areas, such as navigation and mapping, climate change, engineering, meteorology, and natural hazards. The precise geographical information systems (GIS) produced by geodesy are essential for delivering services to people, households, and businesses, administering land rights and development permits, and developing and maintaining national and regional infrastructures to access water, waste management, electricity, transport, schooling, health facilities, markets, and security. As a result, geodesy has been noted to contribute directly and indirectly to all of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the status of geodetic infrastructure on the African continent needs to be fully documented, and the existing infrastructure must be made more extensive to enable African nations to participate in and contribute to global geodesy effectively. This project seeks to address these challenges by laying the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding and enhancement of the geodetic infrastructure in Africa. It will assess the current state of geodetic equipment, computational infrastructure, and human capacity across critical African nations, including South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. By conducting a detailed inventory and analyses of existing resources, the project will identify critical gaps and opportunities for enhancement and strategically plan for new infrastructure development. The project will tackle these challenges by using advanced simulation techniques to assess where new infrastructure would be most beneficial, ensuring that future investments are strategically targeted and cost-effective for maximal impact. This foundational work is essential for enabling Africa to build a robust and sustainable geodetic infrastructure that aligns with global standards and meets the continent's unique needs. One of the most significant benefits of this project is its potential to substantially enhance Africa’s contribution to global geodesy. By laying the groundwork for improved infrastructure and capacity, the project will enable African nations to play a more active role in international geodetic initiatives, such as those outlined in the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/266, "A Global Geodetic Reference Frame for Sustainable Development." This will benefit the scientific community and support policymakers in making informed decisions related to many areas, such as climate change, disaster management, and urban planning. In addition to its scientific and policy implications, the project will have broader societal benefits. By promoting awareness of the importance of geodesy and encouraging greater participation from underrepresented groups, particularly women, the project will contribute to a more inclusive and diverse geodetic community in Africa. Furthermore, the knowledge and skills gained through this project will have applications beyond geodesy, supporting advancements in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and infrastructure development. In summary, this project aims to establish a solid foundation for the future development of geodetic infrastructure in Africa, ensuring that the continent is well-positioned to meet its own needs while contributing to global geodetic science. The project will create the conditions necessary to establish GGOS Africa, an affiliate of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), through detailed infrastructure assessment, capacity building, and strategic planning. This regional body will coordinate geodetic activities and further integrate Africa into the global geodetic community.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-02

The unique ambition of the Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) is born from evidence that the context for research on low carbon living (LCL) has changed in recent years: there is an urgent need to translate insights from the wealth of technical and behavioural research into win-win pathways that respond more effectively and sensitively to social and political barriers to meeting the UK's net zero agenda. JUST will respond to this challenge by working with communities in five 'left-behind' regions of the North of England (NofE) and non-academic practice partners to co-produce joined-up strategies for meeting net zero ambitions while simultaneously redressing problems caused by socio-economic inequality. The overall aims of JUST's programme of research are to investigate: (i) What works, when, where and for whom - and what could work - to facilitate the development and implementation of joined-up interventions for a just transition to LCL? (ii) How, where and with whose participation can sustainability transformations be accelerated in ways that combine sustainability with justice for citizens in places that benefit least from dominant economic and political systems? (iii) What lessons for just sustainability transformations can governments, businesses, and communities learn from place-based, co-produced action research? Our objectives are to: conduct, commission and scale research into what works where in LCL approaches, generating context-specific evidence and insight for overcoming complex challenges; develop novel methodologies for generating evidence about what works where, why and for whom; develop, trial and evaluate tools for informing decision-making and meeting place-based needs, working collaboratively in five areas in the NofE and matched places elsewhere in the UK; build capacity needed for sustainability transformations within communities, organisations and sectors; inform and influence public debate on the net zero transition, moving it beyond current tensions and resistances towards the productive joining-up of decarbonisation and social justice. Our interdisciplinary team will use an innovative mix of data science and participatory action research methodologies to undertake studies that observe and map existing LCL initiatives as well as studies that intervene and co-produce new initiatives with practice partners in communities. Both types of study will be analysed through an intellectual framework of six interlocking themes that build on team members' expertise: principles of justice; policy, governance and change; built and social infrastructure; social and solidarity economies; democratic innovations; and methodological innovation. JUST's twin focus on justice and LCL puts impact, social inclusion and reciprocity at the heart of all research and engagement activities. We are a team from five universities with extensive experience of researching at the intersections of sustainability and social justice. We have existing research relationships with communities and organisations in the study regions on which the Centre's work will build. Our impact lead, from the Institute for Community Studies, will coordinate collaboration with eight other core project partners (Institute for Government, Local Government Association, Welsh LGA, Sustainable Scotland Network, British Chambers of Commerce, NHS Confederation, Citizens UK and the Runnymede Trust) to maximise benefits to all participants. We will support capacity building and decision-making towards LCL by producing a JUST toolkit of seven tools to identify and meet the socio-economic-related LCL needs of any location in the UK. Open-access digital resources, training workshops, and an executive education course will ensure the relevance and application of the research across the UK and internationally.

UKRI Gateway to Research · FY 2025 · 2025-02

Context Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) is at the heart of good practice in health and biomedical research, enabling research to be shaped by the communities it aims to benefit. However, traditional approaches to PPIE are not always successful and there are still many challenges, particularly for involving young people. As the key beneficiaries of future research, we need to engage young people proactively in PPIE and provide early positive experiences to keep them involved longer term. Most models of involvement have been developed by adults for adults. We want to change this by designing new accessible PPIE strategies with young people.   Challenges Young people have told us about some problems with current PPIE approaches including: inconvenient timings or locations for face to face activities (e.g. workshops held at universities in the daytime); the need for long term commitment during a changing phase of their development; group activities that some young people find off-putting; not receiving feedback about research progress after they have made a contribution. Health researchers have also told us about problems working with younger contributors including: how researchers can struggle to recruit diverse PPIE contributors; not hearing about PPIE experiences on other projects; not knowing which research topics are currently important (‘trending’) for young people. To address these and related problems, and to work alongside traditional PPIE, we have co-designed, with young people and researchers, a digital platform ‘VoiceIn’. VoiceIn VoiceIn is a website and smartphone app for PPIE that we have developed with young people and health researchers over many months. The smartphone app enables young people (aged 16+) to shape the future of health research by contributing their ideas through the app. VoiceIn provides feedback about how other young people have contributed (e.g. ‘87% of people liked the project’) and gives progress updates (e.g. ‘the project has led to a policy change in cancer treatment’). Researchers use the website to upload questions for young people, monitor responses, post progress updates and target particular groups (e.g. 16-18 year olds interested in anxiety research).   Aim Our overarching aim is to develop new approaches to PPIE that are directly informed by young people.   Objectives Work with diverse young people and communities to make VoiceIn usable for all Test and evaluate VoiceIn by talking to people about their experiences of using it and analysing information collected automatically within the VoiceIn platform about how people engage with it Improve VoiceIn based on feedback Share learning with researchers so they can improve their PPIE Enable researchers and funders to see who has contributed to PPIE and who is missing, supporting new approaches to inclusion Develop a plan with research funders so that VoiceIn can thrive longer term   Applications and Benefits We believe that VoiceIn can be used widely to support all kinds of health and biomedical research. Our approach addresses problems with PPIE that young people have told us about in a way that has been developed in partnership with young people. This project will help ensure that all young people can take up PPIE opportunities if they wish to do so, encouraging them to engage with research longer term.