STFC commissioned an external company to study the impact of the CLF over the past decade.
know.consulting analysed across four impact categories. Read the full impact report here.
Executive summary
The Central Laser Facility (CLF) has generated significant socio-economic impacts, benefiting UK researchers, industry and society. Its international leadership and influence in laser technology, built over decades, positions the UK at the forefront of global research.
Science
- The CLF generates close to 150 peer reviewed publications a year, averaging 27 citations per publication.
- The CLF supports multi- and inter-disciplinary research, with publications spanning at least 39 different (2nd level) subject areas.
- Publications from the CLF have amassed over 33,300 citations over the last decade, and they are cited twice as much as the global average.
- The top 150 cited publications are referenced in at least 325 news articles, on sites such as BBC News and Forbes, and are linked to 16 patents.
- Cutting edge research at the CLF has contributed to advances in nuclear fusion, astrophysics, climate change, viral research, and 3D printing.
Competitiveness & Reputation
- The CLF supports UK research organisations from every area of the UK.
- Over 60% of CLF supported publications are internationally collaborative.
- The CLF has collaborated with over 220 international organisations since 2019, from all continents except Antarctica.
- The CLF is regarded as world leading by stakeholders, and the next generation of facility upgrades will help to secure this status in the future.
- CLF staff hold positions on numerous international scientific advisory boards and groups, helping to boost UK reputation and influence.
Skills, Knowledge & Inspiration
- Technical and scientific expertise of CLF staff is a key enabler of upskilling.
- Around 150 PhD students are trained at the CLF annually, maintaining the research pipeline and spilling over knowledge to a range of industries.
- The CLF boosts technical and soft skills at a range of seniority levels, through apprenticeships, training, outreach and industry placements.
- 112 industrial placement students were hosted over the past decade, and 14 apprentices are currently being hosted.
- The CLF has published 350+ news items and articles over the past 10 years, and has a long tradition of engaging with the public and young people.
Innovation & Commercialisation
- The CLF supports innovative research, with many invention disclosure forms, proofs of concept (PoC), and patents generated in recent years.
- There are 23 active patent families within the CLF portfolio, which have attracted £15m+ in income to the CLF over the last decade.
- CLF has spun out two companies, leveraging in-house capabilities to meet commercial demand: Scitech Precision Limited and Cobalt Light Systems.
- These companies have led to societal and commercial benefits for the UK, including around 200 person-years of employment & ~£45m in revenue.
- Industry users leverage the CLF’s expertise and technologies to support internal R&D, leading to improved production techniques and products.
