Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 7 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The University of La Laguna has procured a new photoelectron spectrometer manufactured through X-rays, funded by the Canary Islands Development Fund (FDCAN) and the Tenerife Insular Cabildo.
With this apparatus, the research teams at the University of La Laguna will be able to produce a greater number of scientific publications, facilitating the dissemination of research outcomes to society, as emphasized by the academic institution in a statement.
During the unveiling of this equipment, which took place in the Chemistry department of the Faculty of Sciences, the rector of the institution, Francisco García, expressed gratitude for the support from the regional government and the insular authority in acquiring this spectrometer, which is now positioned within one of the laboratories of the General Service of Research Support (SEGAI).
Garcia has commended the SEGAI service, describing it as an example of “effective management” because it “enables both university and external private business groups to access equipment that would be unattainable for them without this collaborative usage model.”
Furthermore, as the rector pointed out, the newly acquired equipment is versatile, serving applications in industrial, biomedical, forensic, archaeological, and even artistic heritage fields.
From the Cabildo de Tenerife, the Minister of Innovation, Research and Development, Juan José Martínez, underlined the significance of obtaining “top-tier” equipment that will benefit various research teams. He additionally praised the communal usage model advocated by SEGAI, noting that its service to scientific personnel and enterprises “enhances the entire R&D ecosystem in Tenerife.”
He indicated that a call for applications will soon be announced to acquire mid-range equipment with a total funding of 400,000 euros.
David Pérez-Dionis, the General Director of Organic Coordination and Strategic Projects for the Canary Islands Government, has, in turn, noted the advancements that come with improving research generation and the availability of cutting-edge technology. He believes such initiatives contribute to achieving the strategic goals of the Canary Islands Government in terms of social and economic progress.
About SEGAI: 25 Laboratories and Services
José Luis Rodríguez Marrero, Director of SEGAI, briefly introduced this service, which comprises high-performance scientific equipment with considerable costs—approximately 18 million euros in total—utilised by university researchers as well as other public entities and businesses.
In total, there are 25 laboratories and services overseen by highly skilled technical personnel, organised into four categories: biomedical technologies, elemental and molecular analysis, technological support services, and characterisation of materials and surfaces.
The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy team has been tailored to meet the requirements of the University of La Laguna, integrating additional accessories.
Consequently, this team conducts X-ray photoemission that energises the internal electrons of the sample, consequently generating a spectrum that can be analysed by the equipment. The specific software that permits comprehensive control of all analytical parameters was also highlighted.