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Chemical Analysis Facility

Our purpose-built Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) provides instrumentation in the areas of:

  • nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
  • X-ray diffraction
  • mass spectrometry
  • thermal analysis
  • electron microscopy
  • molecular spectroscopy.

The facility supports the chemical aspects of our research in areas such as biology and physical science, archaeology, soil science, engineering, pharmaceutics, and nutrition.

Student using equipment in the Chemical Analysis Facility

Hands-on experience

Our chemistry undergraduates get hands-on experience in the Chemical Analysis Facility, working alongside our researchers on their final-year project.

Amy Bannister carried out her research project in the CAF lab alongside Dr Philippa Cranwell.

Watch our video to find out more.

Professor Laurence Harwood, Lecturer and Director of the Chemical Analysis Facility

Read Laurence's story

What makes the CAF unique is that we have the people as well as the instruments. Each platform has a technical lead who is an expert at running the machine and an academic lead who is an expert in the technique.

Professor Laurence Harwood, Director of the CAF

Person using lab equipment in the Chemical Analysis Facility

The facility is used by departments across the University, as well as external scientists, commercial enterprises and a number of TV programmes conducting investigative studies.