The UK has always excelled in research. We have nurtured some of the world’s greatest minds whose ground-breaking discoveries have changed the way we live our lives.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) operates world-class research facilities for the UK, including particle accelerators, telescopes, synchrotron light sources, neutron and muon sources and lasers. We also manage the UK funding and engagement for major international research facilities (Big Science), providing the UK research community with access to technology beyond the scope or capability of national facilities, or that provide complementary instrumentation through international collaboration.
Big Science and Industry
Membership of Big Science facilities enables UK companies to bid for commercial contracts, earning valuable business and driving innovation, however the total value of engaging is much broader than simply economic return. Working with Big Science increases the exposure of our businesses to international markets and enables them to exploit opportunities in wider technical markets. This drives innovation, capability and upskilling, catalyses international partnerships, and promotes collaboration with research and innovation communities, bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. Winning contracts bestows a degree of prestige on our businesses and improves their economic and global competitiveness, helping to nurture a strong UK economy.
Contract opportunities exist in a wide range of sectors and across all technology levels; from civil engineering through to precision mechanical engineered parts. STFC’s UK Industrial Liaison Office provides free assistance to help UK companies hear about and win contracts at these facilities.
Our International Facilities
The UK Industrial Liaison Office
The UK Industrial Liaison Office have extensive experience in helping UK industry supply goods and services to international facilities. Our knowledgeable staff can support you in navigating the procurement process, putting you in touch with technical experts and advising you about future opportunities. Our team connect UK businesses into the £500m of contracts, collaborations and developments that issued each year,
completely free of charge.
The business opportunities service provides:
- advanced notice of upcoming tenders from international science facilities
- support and advice on the tenders processes for our international facilities
- targeted events to link you with facility procurement specialists.
Contact the STFC business opportunities team
Email: [email protected]
Further information on Tender opportunities for UK businesses
Meet the team
Rich Farrow
Head of the Industrial Liaison Office
Rich Farrow is Head of the Industrial Liaison Office, specialising in energy technologies, sensors, detectors and innovation.
Contact:
- [email protected]
- Richard Farrow | LinkedIn,
- + 44 (0) 7596 888 677
Hugh Alabaster
Head of UK- CERN Industrial Liaison Operations
Contact:
Carol Watts
UK Industrial Liaison Officer for ESO and SKAO
Contact:
Julie Perrin
UK Industrial Liaison Officer for ESRF ESS, FAIR, ILL and Eu-XFEL and supporting CERN price enquiries.
Contact:
Sara Fletcher
Business Engagement and Analysis Lead
Contact:
Spotlight on CERN
The UK is one of 12 founding members of CERN, whose mission is to uncover the mysteries of the universe, what it is made of and how it works. As the world’s pre-eminent particle physics laboratory, it makes available complex particle accelerators and detectors, as well as computing technology, for the global research community.
Through membership of CERN, the UK has access to exceptional, one-of-a kind instrumentation and experiments, commercial opportunities to deliver services and technical kit to CERN, training programmes and employment across a broad range of subjects. The UK leads in many aspects of the CERN scientific programme and is able to attract the highest quality talent to universities, institutes and national laboratories in all corners of the UK.
The UK strategy for engagement with CERN aims to unlock the full potential of our investment in CERN and remain central to its continued success by working with our partners to lead scientific discovery, pioneer technology and inspire the next generation.
CERN issues commercial contracts in all areas of its work including civil engineering, information technology, electrical engineering and magnets, chemical and radiation equipment, electronic design and manufacture, cables and fibre optics, vacuum equipment, vehicles and office supplies.
Commercial Impact and Innovation – facts and figures
- 120 commercial contracts ranging in value from around £45,000 to £9 million are issued by CERN each year with an average total value of £440 million, with many hundreds of contracts issued with a value below £45,000.
- Over 500 UK companies have sold goods or services to CERN in the last decade.
- Over 75% of UK suppliers report a benefit to their reputation and global brand value from work with CERN.
Useful Links
At STFC:
At CERN:
- CERN Procurement Home
- CERN Supplier Portal
- Forthcoming Tendering Procedures
- Knowledge Transfer at CERN
Others