EPSRC Core Equipment Award 2022 University of Birmingham

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The University of Birmingham's strategic vision, Birmingham 2030, is to conduct world-class research that will have global significance and societal impact. In order to realise this vision, it is committed to providing an environment and opportunities to enable talented researchers to be even more productive in their research endeavours, and to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where researchers at all career stages can flourish.The University has established a robust and transparent process for the allocation of the EPSRC Capital Award for Core Equipment, which we propose to invest in 8 different items. The bid has been focused towards our strategic commitment to grow the School of Chemistry, but the research that this equipment will enable spans a breadth of research themes across the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) and aligns closely with the EPSRC remit, especially in the areas of Healthcare Technologies, Energy, Manufacturing the Future, and Physical Sciences. We will primarily invest in a new 400 MHz NMR spectrometer which will significantly expand our capacity and capability to underpin the world-class science that requires this vital technique. Further investments are proposed should additional funding and unmet need funding become available. These will include upgrades to existing equipment (electron paramagnetic spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction) as well as unlock new capabilities around photochemistry and in situ reaction monitoring (photoreactors, accelerated weathering chamber, fluorescence spectrometer with variable temperature control, fibre-probe portable and modular Raman spectrometer and React-IR). These equipment needs have been identified through a consultation process with academic staff, with a particular focus on (i) supporting the needs of recently appointed early-career academics, and (ii) targeting areas for growth with prioritisation to items that would enable new collaborative opportunities within the EPSRC remit across the institution. In this way, we will help to promote a culture of collaboration, internally and externally.Prof Rachel O'Reilly (Head of School of Chemistry), is the project's Principal Investigator and developed the equipment strategy in consultation with senior members of the School of Chemistry and College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, including Prof. Stephen Jarvis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College, and Prof. Costas Constantinou, Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer for the College.Technical support and training is specific to each item and will be delivered locally. The success of the equipment will be monitored through usage and other metrics such as initiation of new collaborations, grant applications, journal papers, conference presentations, industry user engagement and teaching-related activities (PhD, MSc and final-year undergraduate projects).