The UK is investing in its advanced research and emerging technologies landscape with £51.2 million for a new National Cryogenic Facility (NCF)
Funded by the UKRI Infrastructure Fund, the NCF will enable scientists and industry leaders to conduct experiments at temperatures even colder than those in deep space, opening new frontiers in materials science and engineering.
The National Cryogenic Facility is located at the Daresbury Laboratory and will operate at temperatures ranging from 2 Kelvin (-271.15°C) to 20 Kelvin (-253.15°C). These extreme conditions are critical for testing the limits of advanced materials and technologies, particularly in fields where performance depends on ultra-low temperature environments.
The NCF is expected to play a major part across multiple high-growth sectors. In quantum computing, ultra-cold environments are essential for stabilising quantum states, allowing companies to scale up experimental systems into viable commercial technologies. Similarly, high-temperature superconductor technologies will benefit from improved testing capabilities, particularly in applications involving superconducting magnets.
Healthcare innovation is another major area of impact. Cryogenic testing can support the development of more efficient MRI systems, enhancing diagnostic capabilities. In aviation, the facility may advance liquid hydrogen-powered flight by enabling researchers to better understand how materials behave under extreme cold.
Fusion energy and green aviation are also among the sectors poised to benefit, as researchers gain access to more precise data on material performance in harsh environments.
Building skills and capacity
The NCF facility is also expected to address a growing skills gap in cryogenic engineering and system operation. The facility will act as a centre of excellence, supporting workforce development in areas identified as critical to the UK’s future innovation capacity.
Demand for this expertise is expected to rise sharply, particularly in the quantum computing sector, where global job creation is projected to grow significantly over the next decade.
By expanding cryogenic testing capacity by approximately six times, the National Cryogenic Facility will also enable more companies and research institutions to access essential infrastructure.
The NCF is part of a £156.6 million investment package supporting four major infrastructure projects aimed at driving economic growth and scientific discovery.
One of the main projects is IMAS-UK, a £55 million initiative focused on next-generation bioimaging. This programme will integrate advanced imaging technologies with artificial intelligence to provide insights into complex biological systems, supporting research into ageing, disease, and drug resistance.
In renewable energy, the Blue Horizon project will expand tidal energy testing capabilities, accelerating the development and commercialisation of marine energy solutions. The initiative is expected to enhance energy security while supporting industrial growth and job creation.
Food security and sustainability
Another major component of the investment is PhenomUK, a £35.4 million project aimed at improving crop resilience and agricultural productivity. By enabling detailed analysis of plant development from seed to field, the initiative will help researchers develop crops better suited to changing climate conditions and environmental pressures.
This work is particularly important as the UK faces increasing challenges from extreme weather and invasive species, both of which have significant economic impacts on agriculture. Advances driven by PhenomUK are expected to reduce reliance on pesticides and support sustainable food production.
The UKRI Infrastructure Fund is an important feature of supporting the tools and facilities needed for cutting-edge research. With a total portfolio of over £2 billion, the fund is designed to deliver long-term benefits by enabling breakthroughs that improve lives and strengthen the economy.
