Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility – Lancaster node

The Lancaster Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility is one of the three facilities that form the grade 5 NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility (LSMSF). It provides an extensive range of services from stable isotope analyses through to technical development and scientific research for a wide range of UK universities, higher education institutes, CEH sites, government agencies and the private sector.

The Lancaster Stable Isotope Facility relocated from CEH at Merlewood (Grange-over-Sands) to new purpose-built laboratories at CEH Lancaster in October 2003. These include separate enriched and natural abundance preparation rooms, a state-of-the-art instrument room and grinding/milling workshops.

The LSMSF Lancaster-node provides a highly specialised unit for the light stable isotope analysis of biological, terrestrial and environmental materials for the ecological research community. The main strength of the facility is its exclusive combination of sample preparation equipment, analytical instrumentation and staff expertise.

The established expertise of the staff in stable isotope methodologies and instrumentation has allowed the introduction of "fit-for-purpose" technologies, methodologies and new applications, which are matched to suit the continually growing needs of the user community.

How to Apply

There are two access routes to the Lancaster LSMS Facility:

a) via the NERC LSMSF steering committee.

b) via the CEH Stable Isotope Users Group (SIUG).

Researchers eligible to hold a NERC grant in a UK university, higher education institute or college should apply via the NERC LSMSF option. CEH researchers (unless holding a NERC grant) should approach the CEH SIUG committee for access. If you are unsure of your eligibility please consult the Lancaster LSMSF Group Leader, Dr Andy Stott.

CEH access to the LSMS Facility

All CEH researchers must submit a formal application to the CEH SIUG steering committee and have it financially and scientifically approved prior to using the LSMS Facility.

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