The ticket ballot is officially open for our next public open day on Saturday 24 October 2026! Enter online by 23:59 on 20 September for your chance to visit the UK's national synchrotron and learn all about the cutting-edge research from the experts themselves 👉 https://bit.ly/3SSR6sc

As an Armed Forces Covenant employer, today we mark #ArmedForcesDay alongside communities across the UK. We recognise the dedication and service of the entire Armed Forces community, from serving personnel and reservists to veterans, cadets and families.

Using high-resolution micro-CT scanning at Diamond and @esrf.fr, the Vesuvius Challenge has achieved a historic discovery in the Herculaneum scrolls, revealing new text, titles and authors unknown to history - bringing about a new era for the study of ancient history. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3QCbdu6

On #ReservesDay today, we wanted to take the opportunity to recognise and thank reservists across the UK. At Diamond, we’re proud to be a ERS Gold employer and remain committed to supporting veterans and reservists who balance their day-to-day roles with serving in the Reserve Forces.

To celebrate #INWED26, we're shining a light on Michela Semeraro, a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer at Diamond. In this video, Michela offers insights into her day-to-day role by sharing the projects she's working on at Diamond and how they align with her overarching career goals. Watch below 👇

Researchers at ShanghaiTech, Diamond and @ox.ac.uk have developed a new X-ray technique to capture magnetic motion in unprecedented detail, revealing how fast magnetic excitations oscillate, and how they evolve through space and time too. Find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/4eKywdk

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Michael Fitzpatrick as the new interim Chair of the Board. Professor Fitzpatrick has served as a non-executive director of the board for the last 10 years and brings a wealth of experience to the position. Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4oxisQp

Last week, we welcomed an international group of delegates to Diamond for the QUASAR workshop. Across three days, the workshop used interactive tutorials and real-world examples to explore a wide spectrum of InfraRed applications for current, prospective and potential users.

We were delighted to host 209 students and teachers at our schools open day last week. To kick off the visit, the groups learnt about what happens at Diamond before heading on a tour of the synchrotron to see the technology up close. Enter the ballot for the next one here 👉 https://bit.ly/410Epwq

#ThrowbackThursday - In 2022, researchers came to Diamond to find out which compounds were in present in bricks from the ovens used on the Mary Rose. They found that they contained iron and calcium salts, and were able to analyse them to decipher how best to preserve the bricks going forward.

It was a pleasure to host a delegation from the Thames Valley @rsc.org on Monday. The group went on a tour of the facility, visiting the B18 and I19 beamlines, where they heard directly from our scientists about the #spectroscopy and #crystallography experiments at Diamond.

Using synchrotron technology at Diamond, scientists have discovered a thermal process in #magma which could explain why similar volcanic systems can produce very different eruptions - and it's down to something called #superheating. Learn more in the article 👉 https://bit.ly/4uWkKef

🦠 How do you design a medicine for a virus that doesn’t even exist yet? In this video, Fanny Escudié, our Senior Discovery Project Manager, breaks down how scientists are preparing for future pandemics with broad-spectrum antivirals.

Using zinc-specific spectroscopy at Diamond, scientists have found that electronic structure is dominant in controlling how #diorganozincs behave. Their approach could be a toolkit for studying zinc-containing battery electrolytes and zinc in biological systems. Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4ugxyeg

It was wonderful to host the Mayor of Wantage, Iain Cameron, alongside a delegation from Wantage Town Council and their twinned town of Seesen, Germany. The visit provided a perfect opportunity to connect with the local community and demonstrate the wide range of science that happens at Diamond.

#ThrowbackThursday - In 2014, researchers came to Diamond to study 10,000-year-old cave art pigments. The sample from Turkey contained obsidian, suggesting that it was chosen for its reflective properties. The sample from Iran was made from terra rossa, but it's no longer found there after flooding.

On Saturday, we welcomed 322 visitors to see inside the UK's national synchrotron. After an introduction to the faciltiy and a tour from our own staff members, visitors were left inspired and excited by the science and engineering achieved at Diamond. Thank you to all those who attended!

Earlier this week, Diamond's Dr Martin Walsh signed a landmark biomedical and AI alliance between the UK and France to advance research into major diseases. The partnership will focus on women’s health, pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial resistance. Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/433Wt9R

#ThrowbackThursday - Between 2010 and 2024, archaeologists excavated an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and found a large brooch made from copper and had enamel decorations. Scientists came to Diamond in 2018 to examine it, finding that it was made from recycled materials using a similar method to the Romans.

It was a pleasure to welcome delegates from the U.S. Department of Energy to Diamond yesterday. During the tour, the group visited the B18 and I19 beamlines, where they heard directly from our scientists about their research.

#ThrowbackThursday - After the Mary Rose was excavated, conservationists tried to preserve its iron cannonballs in various ways. In 2018, researchers used multiple synchrotron techniques at Diamond to identify the most effective methods for preserving these historic artefacts for future generations.

Today we're marking the #InternationalDayOfLight. This year's theme is #LightForASustainableFuture, and synchrotron light at Diamond enables research into clean energy, advanced batteries and catalysts, and sustainable materials. We're proud to use light to help build a more sustainable future.

#ThrowbackThursday - In 2019 and 2024, ancient Herculaneum scrolls damaged by Mount Vesuvius arrived at Diamond to be studied using X‑ray imaging. Using the scans and AI, researchers "digitally unwrapped" the scrolls, revealing thousands of characters and even the Ancient Greek word for 'disgust'.

Diamond's I15-1 beamline is hosting a science user meeting on the 22-23 July 2026. The meeting will showcase the exciting total scattering and pair distribution function research within user community, as well as instrumental developments happening at Diamond. Apply here 👉 https://bit.ly/4dwxrWR

Francesca Gliubich has started today as Director of the Diamond Operations Division. Joining us ahead of the Diamond-II upgrade, Francesca will work closely with senior colleagues and leading teams to help ensure that operations support our scientific ambitions. Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4eKaLnj

#ThrowbackThursday - In 2019, researchers used Diamond's I18 beamline to study a paint sample from Rembrandt's Homer. Using X-ray Diffraction Computed Tomography, they uncovered how lead-based paint reacts with atmospheric pollutants, helping to inform future conservation treatments.

It was wonderful to welcome a group from the Chevening Research, Science, and Innovation Leadership Fellowship yesterday. We were delighted to share insights into the facility and demonstrate the various ways that Diamond can support international collaboration and innovation.

Cutting-edge science depends on a healthy workplace. On the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we want to shine a spotlight on how we create a safe and comfortable working environment at Diamond that extends beyond the physical. Senior SHE Advisor, Valerie Loughry, shares her thoughts 👇

There are still places at the Synchrotron Electrochemistry Workshop! The workshop allows synchrotron users to share expertise and explore how synchrotron-based techniques can be used for challenges in #electrochemistry. 📆 13-14 July 📍 Oxford 🕒 12:30-17:00 Register here 👉 https://bit.ly/4rVn3Mu

Today is #EarthDay 🌍 New research shows how synchrotron science can support a more sustainable future. Using X‑ray absorption spectroscopy on our B18 beamline, scientists gained new insights into how we can convert plastic waste into hydrogen fuel using sunlight. Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4u2638v

That’s a wrap on #HAXPES2026!🎉 We were delighted to welcome over 100 delegates from around the world for inspiring talks, poster sessions, great conversations and a vibrant social programme. A fantastic few days of building new connections and driving international collaboration in the field.

Today is the start of HAXPES 2026! With attendees joining from around the world and a range of international expert speakers, the event acts as a global forum for discussing the latest in hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Find out more about HAXPES and our sponsors 👉 https://bit.ly/4tBxyFY

Congratulations to Senior Beamline Scientist at I04, David Aragao for receiving a Fellowship from @rsb.org.uk!👏 He has been recognised for his contribution to the biological sciences throughout his career and at Diamond. Find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/4tzmaKv

Today on #WorldHealthDay, we're proud to share the insights of scientists at Diamond Light Source whose research helps to protect global health 👇

There's still time to apply for our InfraRed Data and Image Analysis Training on QUASAR. The workshop will train current and potential users working with a wide spectrum of infrared applications. 📅 10-12 June 2026 🕐 09:30-15:00 📍 Diamond Light Source Apply online 👉 https://bit.ly/415ulSN

Last week, we welcomed 209 students and teachers for our Schools Open Day! On the tour they got to: 🔬 Learn about types of science that take place at Diamond ⭕ See the machine up close 👩‍🔬Ask the experts their questions Enter the ballot for the next one online 👉 https://bit.ly/410Epwq

A multidisciplinary team of researchers have recently discovered a mechanism that helps cancer cells avoid programmed cell death (apoptosis). @lund-university.bsky.social @umeauniversitet.bsky.social @illneutrons.bsky.social Read the full science highlight online 👉 https://bit.ly/4dKEGem

Applications are open for our Synchrotron Electrochemistry Workshop. Synchrotron users with varied interests and experience can share their expertise on synchrotron-based techniques for electrochemistry. 📆 13-14 July 📍 Jesus College, Oxford 🕒 12:30-17:00 Register here 👉 https://bit.ly/4rVn3Mu

On Saturday 345 visitors came to Diamond for our Open Day!💎 Visitors explored how the UK’s synchrotron enables science with real-world impact, and we also had the pleasure to take Nobel Prize winner John Jumper behind the scenes. Special thanks to @pirbrightinst.bsky.social and STFC!

Last Tuesday, Diamond CEO Gianluigi Botton and Head of Engineering Sarah Macdonell attended the Gold Leadership Luncheon at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Diamond Light Source is a Gold Award holder in the Employer Recognition Scheme and is proud to be a Forces Friendly employer.

This #WorldWaterDay, we're sharing some research that could help to improve how we remove pollutants from water 💧 Using Diamond's B18 and I15-1 beamlines, researchers confirmed that a new hybrid material works better at cleaning water than using just one alone. Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4d0FXxz

It was a pleasure for Diamond host the Governor of the @bankofengland.bsky.social as a part of their visit to Harwell Campus yesterday. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the extensive range of science that takes place at the facility.

Our B18 beamline recently celebrated its 1,000th publication in Diamond's database!🎉 Combining X-ray absorption #spectroscopy with electrochemical measurements, the team uncovered how hydration enhances the activity of iridium oxide catalysts used in #PEMWE. Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/3Nr9VAx

Today is the #SpringEquinox which officially marks the start of spring.🌸 To celebrate the arrival of longer evenings, warmer temperatures and (hopefully) more blue skies, we're sharing some beautiful photographs taken near Diamond by Senior Beamline Scientist, James Sandy. 📸