Powering the future of 3D imaging
Monday 24 November 2025
Powering the future of 3D imaging
The National Xray Computed Tomography facility (NXCT)Link opens in a new window, the UK’s national research hub for lab-based Xray CT imaging, has been awarded a five- year grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, has been a key part of the NXCT since 2020. This new funding will strengthen the facility’s leading role in 3D and 4D imaging, giving researchers across the country better access.
Hosted at Manchester’s Henry Royce Institute, the facility provides cutting-edge imaging, data analysis and scientific support for a broad spectrum of users, uniting world-class CT expertise across the Universities of Warwick, Manchester, Southampton, UCL and Diamond Light Source.
Over the last five years, in collaboration with academic partners, WMG has:
- Delivered a total of 11,760 hours of scanning.
- Supported over 30 SMEs, with almost 1,500 hours of XCT beamtime.
- Worked with over 26 UK-based universities, to deliver over 11,760 hours of XCT beamtime across a broad variety of subject areas, including earth sciences; life sciences; medicine; physics and chemistry; cultural heritage; and forensics.
- Supported the National Gallery; Oxford University Museum of Natural History; Coventry’s Herbert Museum and Art Gallery, the National Archives, and the UCHW NHS Trust.
- Worked with global partners including the Indian Institute of Technology, the Brno Institute of Technology; the Silesian University of Technology; University of Oklahoma; University of South Africa; and Washington University.
- Produced 24 papers for high-impact research journals.
- Funded two new systems to support specialist work, both of which are metrologically calibrated, enabling the production of precise, traceable results.
Professor Mark Williams, Head of the Metrology and Visualisation Research Group, at WMG, said: “It is fantastic news that NXCT’s funding has been renewed by EPSRC for a further five years. Being a hub in a National Research Facility has allowed WMG to invest in skills and significant infrastructure including new Micro CT scanners and a major upgrade to our laboratory facilities. We look forward to working closely with our partners to build on our previous success.”
The future
The new grant will:
- Provide state-of-the-art equipment upgrades: Remote-access computing infrastructure to support advanced high-volume and in-situ imaging.
- Expand user access: Strengthen existing free beamtime access schemes while extending opportunities for SMEs and public engagement.
- Boost data and computational support: Enhanced workstations, high-capacity storage, and bespoke data pipelines through collaboration with research IT services.
- Develop training and skills: Provide additional specialist training modules for tomography data collection and analysis, catering for first-time users and seasoned researchers alike
Dr Neil Robinson, Joint Head of Research Infrastructure at EPSRC said: “EPSRC is pleased to continue supporting the National X-ray Computed Tomography facility, which has established itself as a hub for world-leading imaging research.
"This new investment will not only provide researchers and industry across the UK with access to cutting-edge 3D and 4D imaging but will also help train the next generation of experts in these transformative technologies. By strengthening national capability and collaboration, NXCT will play a key role in driving discovery and innovation across disciplines.”
Find out more about Metrology and 3D imaging research at WMG: Metrology and 3D Imaging - WMGLink opens in a new window
About NXCT
The National Xray Computed Tomography facility (NXCT) is the UK’s foremost research resource for lab-based X-ray computed tomography. Established in November 2020 and funded by the EPSRC, NXCT unites leading universities and Diamond Light Source to offer advanced 3D and 4D CT imaging, expert technical support, and user access nationwide (National X-ray Computed TomographyLink opens in a new window).