Formal opening: JEOL GrandArm 300F

On Monday 17 March 2025, the department was honoured by a visit from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey who formally opened the new JEOL GrandARM300F electron microscope within the David Cockayne Centre for Electron Microscopy, based in Parks Road, Oxford.

JEOL has previously supplied the David Cockayne Centre for Electron Microscopy with an ARM200F, JEM-2100, JSM-5510 and a JSM-IT800, which are all part of the suite of microscopes (the facility also includes focused ion beam and specimen preparation equipment).  The GrandARM300F, however, is an exciting addition because it will enable users to quickly switch techniques while working on the same sample, thereby providing improved data and opening up a portfolio of applications.  Further, it also allows us to analyse samples which would otherwise by damaged by the ion beam.

The official launch event was a double celebration; first because it further cements the strong relationship between the department and JEOL, who custom-built the GrandARM300F to fit precisely into the space it now occupies, and, second, because current and future electron microscopy work builds on the research of Professor Sir Peter Hirsch, who celebrated his 100th birthday in January 2025.  It was Sir Peter who commissioned the first JEOL electron microscope for the department fifty years ago, commencing a relationship which has seen JEOL sponsor a professorship and research positions in this department and a JEOL bursary at Lincacre College.

We are very grateful to JEOL for their work with us over the past five decades, and for helping us to push forwards the boundaries of electron microscopy.  

Read more about this exciting development on the University of Oxford's website: 'New, cutting-edge microscope will boost imaging capacities'.

Pictured left are Professor Irene Tracey (Vice-Chancellor) and Professor Pete Nellist (Head of Department) shortly before the ribbon-cutting at the formal launch.