Science, engineering and computing resources

Computing and information systems facilities

As one of the most active and rapidly developing areas of research in the University, researchers in computing are supported with state-of-the-art computing laboratories, fully equipped with fold flat LCD screens, data projection systems and high-spec processors.

High-end hardware and software includes tools such as Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver, Flash 8, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions, tools for Motorola and Nokia phones, UML and CASE tools and NXP Processors Development Kits; Digital Signal Processors (dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers); and a mix of wireless LAN technologies.

Take a virtual tour or find out more on the faculty site.

Computing and information systems facilities

Engineering facilities

Researchers in engineering have access to a range of spacious and well-equipped laboratories. Facilities include a rapid prototyping machine, large-scale wind tunnels that enable testing in winds of up to 90 miles per hour, dedicated engine-testing facilities and a merlin flight simulator.

Laboratories are equipped with industry-standard engineering test and experimental facilities including metrology, fatigue and materials testing equipment, robotics, rapid prototyping and quality control machines. Also available are a Learjet 25 and a hangar workshop and maintenance facilities, a fixed-base aircraft maintenance simulator and modern gas turbine and turbo prop engines.

With considerable research expertise in sustainable construction methods, the University has extensive materials and structures facility for concrete, masonry, steel and timber. With growing expertise in geoengineering, researchers have access to geotechnics and hydraulics testing facilities and extensive surveying equipment, including satellite global-positioning systems.

Take a virtual tour or find out more on the faculty site.

Materials engineering student at work at his computer

Testing aerodynamic design of a car scale model in wind tunnel

Kingston University Environmental, Geographical and Geological Services (KUeggs)

KUeggs is a vibrant research and consultancy service group based at Kingston University, which draws on the expertise of academic staff and associates from the School of Geology, Geography and Environment. Specialist facilities and equipment available through KUeggs include:

dedicated laboratories for trace and major element geochemistry, radon testing, materials characterisation, micro-imaging and micro- analysis, GIS, remote sensing and cartography; and
portable equipment for off-site geophysical, geochemical and materials testing, such as Laser-Raman-, X-Ray Fluorescence- and Gamma-Ray-Spectrometers.

A range of other services is also available.

ICP mass spectrometry facility

Find out more >

Palaeoecology laboratories

Researchers in the Centre for Earth and Environmental Science Research benefit from two laboratories dedicated to palaeoecology:

One is equipped for the preparation of palynological samples with facilities for the use HF acid. Researchers have experience in the preparation of material from a range of environments (eg marine clays, lacustrine sediment and peat) along with samples from archaeological contexts.
The other contains microscopes for palynological investigation (with phase contrast and micro-imaging facilities) and plant macrofossils.

The Centre holds extensive pollen and seed reference collections for the flora of north-western Europe and a pollen collection from West Africa. Cold store facilities and range of modern equipment for field work (e.g. coring devices, Leica ScanStation) are also available. See also facilities available through KUeggs.

Martyn Waller in the Palaeoecology laboratory

Science facilities

Scientists at the University have benefitted from considerable investment in the Penrhyn Road campus. In the past decade, over £35m has been invested in new build and laboratory refurbishment providing high quality space for research, teaching and offices.

The Eadweard Muybridge Building was completed in 2001 (£10m) and provides research and teaching space including extensive modern synthesis facilities, instrumentation suites, a physiology/sports science, biomedical laboratories and research student offices. The science laboratory building (£3.5m) provides research space for life sciences, which includes the microbiology suite, tissue cultures facilities, laboratories for natural products, biochemistry, cell signalling, histology, immunology and microscopy/image analysis.

The library/Graduate Centre (£2m) provides quality meeting rooms and further office space for research students. Within this department, all research space, student offices and the library/Graduate Centre are housed in modern state-of-the-art buildings.

SRIF and other expenditure on equipment over the last ten years of some £4m has enhanced facilities, including a Biomics Centre, a Microbiology Suite and an Imaging Unit [600 & 400 MHz NMR spectrometers, 3 x LC-MS/MS, 2 x GC-MS, ICP-AES, X-ray diffractometer, Microscopy Suite (SEM, TEM, Confocal Microscope and Image analyser), Flow Cytometer/FACS, and ICP-MS plus ICP-AES]. Additional facilities include a radiation laboratory and radiography suite.

Find out more on the faculty site