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About ASTeC

The Accelerator Science and Technology Centre (ASTeC), part of the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is the national centre of excellence for particle accelerator innovation.

Our work underpins vital scientific research globally, offering unique facilities and end-to-end capabilities in next-generation particle accelerator development.

Shaping the future of accelerator science

Through unique test facilities like CLARA, we provide a flexible platform for research and development, user access, and prototyping.

From concept to commissioning, our full-lifecycle expertise spans accelerator physics, radio frequency and cryogenic systems, magnet design, vacuum engineering, diagnostics and more.

This depth of knowledge enables us to lead and support flagship international accelerator projects, collaborating with industry, academia, and global laboratories to develop next-generation technologies. 

We are proud to play a vital role in shaping the future of accelerator science, advancing fundamental discovery, strengthening UK scientific infrastructure, and delivering real-world impact for industry and society at large.

Our impact

50+

industry talks delivered

30+

conferences, events and school visits organised in the last 5 years

10 PhD

completions since 2020

Accelerators in a new light

Our long-term strategy is centred around continuing to deliver world-class accelerator facilities, driving world-class innovation, and developing world-class skills. 

We approach all of our goals with a creative and innovative mindset and work to ensure we use our collective resources within STFC and UKRI to generate maximum scientific, economic, social and cultural impact.

Read our strategy

Our history

2001

ASTeC founded by staff from the UK Synchrotron Radiation Source and ISIS Neutron Source.

2002

Major role in designing the Diamond Light Source; Technical Design Report published.

2004

Cockcroft Institute established in partnership with Lancaster, Liverpool, and Manchester universities.

2006

ALICE begins operations at Daresbury as Europe’s first ERL-based free-electron laser; 250 kV GaAs source constructed.

2010

First lasing of the ALICE IR FEL; EMMA demonstrates beam circulation as the world’s first non-scaling FFA.

2011

EMMA achieves full acceleration via the serpentine method; ALICE THz radiation applied to cancer research.

2013

VELA delivers high-quality electron beams for industrial and research applications.

2020

CLARA’s first user run demonstrates THz electron acceleration.

2025

ASTeC completes 86 high-beta cavities for the ESS project; CLARA reaches 250 MeV beam energy.

Our leadership

Discover how innovation drives real-world results

​​​​All ASTeC publications can be found in the ePublication Archive.

Download Annual Report

Our latest news and insights

Enquiries

For more information and all enquiries, please contact us.