A UK first: UTC Oxfordshire opens first cryogenics laboratory

New facility ready to ‘inspire young people’at UTC based at the heart of Science Vale UK

Last Friday (19 October) the Didcot-based UTC Oxfordshire officially opened a state-of-the-art cryogenics laboratoryin what’s believed to be a first for a UK school.

First-planned in April 2015 – and the brainchild of John Vandore Trustee of the British Cryogenics Council – the cryogenics laboratory is set to be used by students to enhance their employer-led projects and science curriculum.

Ahead of the first set of projects in November students will visit the world-facilities of the Science and Technology Facilities Council – based at Harwell Campus – to find out more about the benefits of and uses for cryogenics.

Annette Jonathan – UTC Oxfordshire’s science technician – led the project with the support of Quantum Cryogenics DY Assist LTI Metaltech STFC University of Southampton British Cryogenics Council Proactive Gas Safety Goetze and AirProducts.

Although the laboratory was built into UTC Oxfordshire’s original plans it has taken three and half years planning procurement and testing to ensure the success of this ambitious project.

UTC Oxfordshire is situated right at the heart of Science Vale UK a government-backed enterprise zone stretching from Culham Science Centre right across to Harwell Campus.

Nigel Tipple – Chief Executive of OxLEP – said: “It’s vitally important that education providers and businesses work closely together. The opening of UTC Oxfordshire’s cryogenics laboratory will inspire young people to consider a career in the cryogenics industry – an industry with global impact with major strengths right at the heart of Oxfordshire.”

Ed Vaizey – Wantage MP – added: “Once againthe UTC is proving a trailblazer for secondary schools in the UK. I am thrilled that they are opening a first school cryogenics laboratory in the country. This fabulous facility will provide its students with a unique chance to study this important field of science.”

Find out more on UTC Oxfordshire

Pictured: John Vandore officially opens the new laboratory.