New home completed for the UK’s most powerful nuclear magnetic resonance instrument

Scientists at the University of Warwick will be able utilise the UK’s most powerful nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument after work was completed on its new home.

Deeley Construction has completed construction of a magnet hall, control room and plant room to house the 1.2GHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer.

The project builds on the Coventry-headquartered firm’s history of completing schemes on campus at the University of Warwick, with past projects including the installation of the University’s existing 1.0 GHz NMR spectrometer.

The purpose-built facility houses a 10-tonne magnet which will be available to support researchers across the UK, with there being less than 15 similar magnets across the globe.

The spectrometer is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and has been provided by Bruker, with additional MAS probes from Phoenix.

It will enable researchers to carry out spectroscopic studies, including advanced research in how to make more efficient plant biofuels, improve batteries and solar cells.

Deeley Construction completed the construction works in a live environment and ensured minimal disruption to staff and students at the university.

The specialist facility has been built with entirely non-magnetic materials to ensure that the operation of the instrument will not be impacted.

Martin Gallagher, Managing Director at Deeley Construction, said: “This has been a complex project and exemplifies our flexibility to deliver unique projects for clients.

“From a requirement to build with non-ferrous metals, to increasing U values to improve thermal efficiency, our team has worked closely with the university to complete a facility that will be vital in supporting important future research.

“We’re proud to continue to support the University of Warwick and its standing as a leading global research institution.”

The project was secured by Deeley Construction via Lot 1 of the University of Warwick’s Capital Programme Framework.

Quantem provided quantity surveying, employer’s agent and project management services on the project.

Professor Steven Brown, Department of Physics, The University of Warwick and Director of the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR National Research Facility said: “We are delighted to be able to use the purpose-built new home at The University of Warwick for the biggest NMR magnet in UK, which was brought to field by Bruker last month.

“As one of less than 15 similar magnets in the world, this 1.2 GHz NMR system continues to put the UK at the forefront of research and innovation in areas such as energy, pharmaceuticals and tackling anti-microbial resistance. 

“Backed by a multi-year grant from UK Research and Innovation, we are working closely with our partners from a range of UK universities and the private sector to ensure the investment delivers exciting new science with real-world impact.”