The University of Oxford has strengthened its long-standing partnership with JEOL, a leading global manufacturer of scientific instruments. A generous gift from the company has secured the JEOL Professorship of Electron Microscopy until 2030, ensuring the continued advancement of cutting-edge research in the field.
Since 2010, Oxford has named its professorship in electron microscopy the ‘JEOL Lecturer and Professor of Electron Microscopy’, a post currently held by Professor Angus Kirkland. The gift will further support world-class research and innovation in electron microscopy, a crucial technology for materials science, life sciences and quantum research.
A long-standing partnership
Oxford’s relationship with JEOL dates back to the 1970s, when Professor Peter Hirsch, a materials scientist, placed an order for the University’s first JEOL microscope. Over the decades this partnership has played a pivotal role in advancing electron microscopy research at Oxford, contributing to major scientific breakthroughs and technological developments.
Unveiling of the JEOL GrandARM300
In a further boost to Oxford’s electron microscopy capabilities, on 17 March the Department of Materials formally launched its new JEOL GrandARM300 transmission electron microscope, funded jointly by the University and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony in a special event attended by researchers, academics and industry partners.
Shaun Quill, Managing Director of JEOL UK, commented: ‘We are proud to support the University of Oxford in pushing the boundaries of electron microscopy. The JEOL Professorship ensures that Oxford remains at the forefront of scientific discovery, and the new GrandARM300 microscope will enable ground-breaking research in materials science and beyond.’
Professor Jim Naismith, Head of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, highlighted the impact of this partnership: ‘The collaboration between Oxford and JEOL has been instrumental in driving forward advances in electron microscopy. This latest gift ensures the continuation of world-leading research, and the new JEOL GrandARM300 microscope represents a significant step forward in our capabilities.’
Professor Pete Nellist, Head of the Department of Materials and Principal Investigator for the GrandARM300 project, also emphasised the importance of this milestone: ‘Electron microscopy is central to our research in materials science, allowing us to explore structures at the atomic scale and drive technological innovation. The support from JEOL, both through the professorship and the partnership in developing the new GrandARM300, strengthens Oxford’s position as a leader in this critical field.’
With the latest investment from JEOL, Oxford’s materials and microscopy teams are poised to further expand their research and continue making critical contributions to global scientific advancements.