MSc Innovation Policy students visit UKRI’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
In January 2026, students from the MSc Innovation Policy programme visited UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) for a field trip designed to bring innovation policy to life.
Accompanied by Riccardo Crescenzi, Neil Lee, Gabriele Cristelli and Duygu Buyukyazici, the group spent the day exploring some of the UK’s most significant large-scale research infrastructures, including the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC), and Diamond Light Source.
The visit offered students first-hand insight into how major scientific facilities operate, collaborate with industry partners, and translate fundamental research into real-world economic and societal impact. Seeing these infrastructures in action provided a tangible perspective on themes discussed in the classroom, from research funding and place-based innovation to knowledge exchange and commercialisation.
The Department of Geography and Environment is grateful to Sara Fletcher from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for her support in organising the visit and for her warm hospitality throughout the day, which made the experience particularly valuable for our students.
Explore photos from the visit
