About us

The University of Plymouth has an established research reputation involving the utilisation of radio-isotopes in the environmental and biomedical sciences. These investigations were carried out by the Schools of Earth, Ocean and Environmental and Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science along with the School of Geography in the Faculty of Social Sciences & Business. Research and teaching expertise in radio-isotopes is in the process of substantial strengthening as a result of the recent appointment of “new blood” lecturers in Environmental Chemistry, Geography and Geology.

The aim of our activities has been to develop a single enhanced high-resolution radio-isotope facility within the University of Plymouth, notably to develop inter-faculty research synergies in order to attract external (e.g. Research Council) funding, and with a view in the medium term to operating a commercial radiochemical service for national and international businesses.

Capital investment of £450K (sourced from the government’s Science Research Investment Fund, SRIF) has been made for laboratory refurbishment and equipment purchase. Based on previous grant income and expenditure, it is anticipated that the new laboratory will generate an annual income, which will be sourced through the sale of radio-isotope detector time both internally, via UoP research grant holders, and externally, via contract analyses.