nmRC 'Look & See' Scheme
Look & See is an industry engagement scheme from the Nanoscale & Microscale Research Centre (nmRC), designed to help businesses explore the power of advanced materials characterisation. Through a combination of A) fully funded training and B) expert analytical support, the scheme provides accessible routes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage with our world-class facilities. The training element equips users with the skills and access needed to independently book and use nmRC instrumentation, while analytical support offers expert-led insight to help understand materials and accelerate innovation. Learn more and apply to the initiative below.
Build capability. Access expertise. Work independently.
The Train & Access stream enables local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop in-house capability through fully funded training and access to the Nanoscale & Microscale Research Centre (nmRC)'s advanced imaging and materials characterisation facilities.
Participants will receive free initial setup, hands-on training, and system access, allowing them to confidently operate selected instruments at our University Park laboratories. Once trained and approved, users can independently book and access facilities, supporting their ongoing research and development activities. Continued autonomous use is available at discounted commercial rates, providing a cost-effective route to high-quality materials characterisation.
Eligible facilities include:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
- Raman Spectroscopy
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
- Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM)
- Particle Sizing
Additional techniques may be considered subject to discussion.
Eligibility & Conditions
- Open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with priority given to organisations based in the Nottingham and wider Midland's region
- Participants must demonstrate appropriate technical capability and readiness for independent instrument use
- A Facilities Access Agreement must be in place prior to commencement.
- Training and onboarding (until an individual is signed off as competent) are provided free of charge; subsequent facility use is chargeable at discounted rates
- Access is limited to approved instruments and trained users only
- All activity is subject to technical suitability, facility availability, and nmRC operational requirements
- Samples must comply with nmRC health, safety and risk management processes.
- Participants may be invited to provide brief feedback to support evaluation of the scheme
Stream B: Discover & Analyse
See more. Understand more. Innovate with confidence.
The Discover & Analyse stream provides SMEs with a fully funded half-day of expert analytical support, offering rapid access to the nmRC's world-class materials characterisation capabilities.
Working in collaboration with our experienced technical team, this stream enables you to explore the strucutre, composition, and performance of your materials. Whether investigating failure mechanisms, validating new materials, or generating insight to support product development, Discover & Analyse helps you to uncover what lies beneath the surface.
Participants will benefit from access to advanced analytical techniques typically available only within leading research environments, with guidance from nmRC specialists throughout.
Eligibility & Conditions
- Open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Limited to one use per organisation per year
- Requires submission of a short project pro-forma, subject to review and approval by the nmRC Commercial Services team
- A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) must be place prior to project commencement
- The offer includes approximately half a day of analytical support, with scope agreed in advance
- The scheme is intended for feasibility, scoping, or exploratory analysis rather than full project delivery
- All nmRC analytical techniques are potentially available, subject to technical feasibility and discussion
- All activity is subject to technical suitability, facility availability, and nmRC operational requirements
- Samples must comply with nmRC health, safety and risk management policies
- Participants may be invited to provide brief feedback and impact information to support evaluation of the scheme
How to Apply