THE University of Huddersfield has opened a new ‘state of the art’ laboratory at Sci-Tech Daresbury.

A team of university researchers have been relocated to the Techspace One developments in a ‘drive to develop strategic partnerships’ with specialists on the science and technology campus.

These researchers will focus on ultra-precision surfaces – including optics such as lenses and mirrors – needed by the Science Technology Facilities Council, which also has a base at Daresbury Laboratory, in order to delivers its programmes.

The team will also develop new and improved methods of working with robots and artificial intelligence.

Professor David Walker, leader in ultra-precision surfaces research at the University of Huddersfield, said: “Our main reason for locating to this nationally important research campus is to develop strategic alliances with STFC, to identify partnerships with other organisations at Sci-Tech Daresbury and forge collaborative links with industry, research organisations and universities – including the Hartree Centre on future work on AI.

“Our ultra-precision polishing Zeeko machines are among the most advanced in the world, and we see STFC as a potential end user of the sort of high specification optics we can make here for astronomy, space and synchrotron optics.

“Sci-Tech Daresbury is a major national facility with lots of activity, with excellent links to industry and convenient transport links.

“The environment is highly presentable to overseas visitors and stands up to comparison with major labs in other countries, including China, and we’ve received a most welcoming and positive attitude from everyone on-site from the outset.

“We’ve taken high-quality lab space in a new building which has been fitted out to our specification.

“The collaboration opportunities with STFC and Sci-Tech Daresbury are highly promising, with links into projects, labs and industries for the future.”t industry and the economic impact of our science and facilities.”