On 3 March 2025, it was announced that the UK Catalysis Hub is set to launch its third phase, with further investment over seven years from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and other partners, to prioritise and accelerate research into net zero and sustainable chemistry. The funding announcement will also enable ISIS and the Catalysis Hub to strengthen their decade-long partnership, fostering collaboration between staff and users to advance the use of neutron techniques in catalysis research.
The Hub, which was established at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in Oxfordshire in 2013, is a national research and innovation hub bringing together researchers in 46 universities to define the future of chemical manufacturing. The third phase of funding will support scientists and engineers in universities and national facilities across the UK, who will work together to solve urgent challenges in manufacturing, recycling and pollution reduction. It will also build on long-standing partnerships with STFC facilities, providing a gateway for catalysis researchers across the country to make best use of the expertise and instruments at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, including the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.
Neutron techniques have broad application in physical and life sciences research, providing unique insights into atomic- and molecular-level structures and dynamics across a diverse range of materials. Neutrons are particularly effective for studying catalysts due to their sensitivity to light elements, high penetrating power, non-destructive nature, and compatibility with complex experimental setups. In recent years, the capabilities and applications of neutron techniques in catalysis research have expanded significantly, allowing scientists to explore catalyst structures and reaction dynamics in greater detail and under more realistic conditions. A key driver of this progress has been the collaboration between the UK Catalysis Hub and ISIS.
“Access to central large-scale facilities was one of the major factors for locating the Catalysis Hub at RAL. Through the Hub, ISIS has been able to demonstrate the value of neutron scattering to the wider UK catalysis community with striking success - most notably in the study of industrially important processes. Undoubtedly, there is still much that neutrons can do for catalytic science and continued collaboration between ISIS and the Hub will be important in realising this potential."
Dr Stewart Parker, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Instrument Scientist and UK Catalysis Hub Facility Member
Over the past seven years, around 300 days of ISIS beamtime have been awarded to Hub partners, enabling a wide range of studies. These include real-time tracking of hydrogen movement in catalysts, optimising catalysts for reducing vehicle emissions, enhancing methanol conversion for cleaner fuels and investigating catalysts for biofuel production. Training has been, and will continue to be, a key priority for both ISIS and the Catalysis Hub. ISIS has co-funded three PhD studentships with the Hub, with more planned as part of Hub III. Additionally, ISIS will co-fund a post-doctoral scientist with the Hub to further advance the use of neutrons in catalysis research.
Prof Charlotte Williams FRS, Director of the UK Catalysis Hub III said: “Our Hub III vision is to deliver future chemicals and materials that are effectively designed for efficiency, resource circularity and pollution reduction.
“We hope to inspire our scientists and engineers to challenge conventional thinking and make those fundamental new discoveries without which innovation is impossible. Our Hub research teams tackle those complex questions that can only be solved by working together. Our partnerships help harness national communities and expertise to accelerate real-world implementation and impact."
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair at EPSRC said: “The UK Catalysis Hub provides an important national capability that supports innovation and sustainability in the chemical and manufacturing industries. This further investment will enable researchers, working across disciplines, to continue developing new, sustainable chemicals and manufacturing processes. The Hub will tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from the climate crisis to plastic pollution, demonstrating the role of discovery science for a more sustainable future."
The EPSRC investment of £12.5m is accompanied by an additional £7m committed from partners (companies, national labs, universities and international partners) to support research and education across the Hub from 2025-2032.
Read the EPSRC press release >>
For further Information, please visit the UK Catalysis Hub website or contact:
Josie Goodall
UK Catalysis Hub
Research Complex at Harwell
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Harwell Oxford
OXON
OX11 0FA
Email: josie.goodall@rc-harwell.ac.uk
