Science Minister contributes to the world's largest diffraction pattern at Diamond Light Source

Article Added: 01/12/2008
During a visit to Diamond Light Source on in November, Lord Drayson, the new Science Minister, launched the World’s largest diffraction pattern project by contributing a silver stitch to what will become the world’s largest diffraction pattern.  The project, which will involve over 5000 people adding their stitches, has been created to provide a platform for scientists to explain their research to the public in an engaging and imaginative way.  

Diffraction patterns are obtained by biomedical researchers during their experiments at Diamond and lead to a 3D representation of the structure of a specific biological target, which can be used to help design cures for specific diseases.  The diffraction pattern being created in the art and craft piece is that of a target called serine racemase, which is an important target in the fight against pain and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.  It is one of the first ever collected for this specific biological target.  The research was carried out by scientists from the Oxfordshire-based subsidiary of the pioneering biopharmaceutical company, Evotec. The company undertakes regular research at Diamond and is kindly supporting this initiative.

Lord Drayson was delighted to contribute to project, he said: “I am pleased to be taking part in this thought provoking project, which will give members of the public an opportunity to appreciate the wide range of science taking place at Diamond.  Over the next decades, Diamond will play a vital role to engage the young and the old in the exciting contribution science is making to society and will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers in the same way that cool projects in the 70s and 80s inspired me.”

Anne Griffiths, a textile artist leading the project, is keen to start collecting more stitches, she says: “Having been involved with Diamond Light Source for several years I am delighted to be able to continue the relationship through this project. It is wonderful to be able to bring science and art together in this way and I am looking forward to gathering all the stitches from lots of different people over the next few months to help create the world’s largest diffraction pattern and to understand more about the science behind the art.”

Dr John Barker, Group Leader of X-ray crystallography at Evotec, and his team achieved the featured diffraction pattern during beamtime at Diamond earlier this year. He says: “The information we gain from these diffraction patterns is vital to the progression of our research into serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and pain relief. It is fantastic that one of our diffraction patterns is now being used to create a unique work of art whilst at the same time widening access to science. Evotec is very pleased to be supporting Diamond Light Source in this initiative and we are looking forward to seeing it on display.”  

Members of the public who are interested in sewing a stitch and finding out more about the dialogue project should visit www.diamond.ac.uk or email diamondcomms@diamond.ac.uk.