£840,000 award from the Wolfson Foundation to enhance Oxford’s proteomics research
State-of-the-art mass spectrometer will be installed at the University's Advanced Proteomics Facility based in the Department of Biochemistry
Oxford has received an £840,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation to support the acquisition of a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer for the University’s Advanced Proteomics Facility (APF) based here in Biochemistry.
The award will fund the purchase of a Thermo Scientific Orbitrap™ Astral™ ZOOM mass spectrometry instrument – one of the newest and most advanced tools available for analysing proteins with high speed, resolution and sensitivity. This instrument would be the first of its kind in the UK and will significantly expand the capabilities of the APF, ensuring it continues to enable world-leading biomedical research across the University.
The Orbitrap Astral ZOOM represents a major technical advancement in proteomics – the large-scale study of proteins. It can detect and analyse thousands of proteins in a single sample with exceptional accuracy, from very small amounts of material, and in a matter of only few minutes. This allows researchers to investigate complex biological systems in far greater detail, depth and throughput than previously possible – from monitoring cellular responses to infection, to identifying early markers of cancer, and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ageing.
The new instrument will be housed within Oxford’s Department of Biochemistry, where the APF supports more than 200 researchers from across the University’s broad science community. It plays a central role in advancing fundamental biological research, enabling scientists to analyse the full range of proteins present in a cell or tissue, thereby gaining critical insights into normal biological processes and the changes that occur in disease.
Once the Orbitrap Astral ZOOM is installed, it will be rapidly integrated into the APF’s operations to deliver immediate benefits to a wide range of research programmes. By providing more detailed insights into cellular function, it will help researchers make discoveries that could lead to improved diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diverse diseases.
The University is grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for this significant investment in Oxford’s research infrastructure. The foundation’s support is crucial for enhancing Oxford’s scientific research.
Professor Francis Barr, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, said: ‘Incorporating the latest technology into our research programme and making it accessible to our community of biochemists and fundamental scientists will transform what we are able to do. We have many exciting projects and avenues for exploration planned, which could lead to breakthroughs across varying fields of human health and potential routes for healthcare.’
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: ‘This is a significant step forward in advancing proteomics research, providing cutting-edge technology with unparalleled sensitivity and resolution to an exceptional team of scientists. We are pleased to support the purchase of this instrument, which has the potential to enable major advances in understanding health and disease.’
In addition to the Wolfson Foundation’s generous funding, the APF has received support from the Edward Penley Abraham Cephalosporin Fund and the John Fell OUP Research Fund to purchase other key instruments within the facility, further strengthening Oxford’s ability to remain at the forefront of proteomics technology and to meet the evolving needs of its research community.
