Abstract:

Large-scale facilities like the Diamond Light Source synchrotron in Oxfordshire have the power to create concentrated geographical clusters of scientific research. According to new research scientists’ proximity to Diamond has had a positive impact on their output of related scientific research. Diamond is the largest single investment in basic research infrastructure in modern UK history. The new study examines its impact on the geographical distribution of related scientific output.

This article summarises ‘My Precious! The Location and Diffusion of Scientific Research: Evidence from the Synchrotron Diamond Light Source', Christian Helmers and Henry Overman, SERC/Urban and Spatial Programme Discussion Paper No. 131, March 2013.