LhARA brings vision for future of cancer radiotherapy research to Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

Visitors explored the science behind next-generation particle-beam therapy as the LhARA collaboration showcased plans for a future UK research facility at the Royal Society’s flagship public exhibition.

Thousands of visitors experienced the future of cancer radiotherapy this summer as the LhARA (Laser-hybrid Accelerator for Radiobiological Applications) collaboration presented its work at the 2026 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition.

The week-long exhibition offered visitors an opportunity to learn about LhARA’s vision for the future of particle-beam therapy.

The exhibition comes shortly after the publication of LhARA’s Conceptual Design Report, which set out plans for a proposed Ion Therapy Research Facility (ITRF) and marked a major milestone in the collaboration’s efforts to develop the next generation of cancer radiotherapy research infrastructure.

The exhibit featured a series of interactive demonstrations designed to introduce visitors to the science and technology underpinning the proposed facility. Visitors could take part in laser and electric-field experiments, explore the future LhARA facility through virtual reality experiences and learn how clinicians design particle-beam treatment plans.

A key feature was the upright patient-positioning system developed by Leo Cancer Care, highlighting how industrial partnerships are helping shape future approaches to radiotherapy delivery. As a member of the LhARA collaboration, Leo Cancer Care is helping create the ecosystem of collaboration between researchers, clinicians and industry that sits at the heart of the LhARA initiative.

Building public engagement

The exhibit gave the collaboration an opportunity to discuss both the scientific and clinical ambitions of the project with audiences ranging from schoolchildren and teachers to policymakers and healthcare professionals.

The week also highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of the collaboration, which brings together universities, NHS trusts, national laboratories, industry partners and patient representatives from across the UK and beyond.

Following the publication of the Conceptual Design Report, the collaboration is continuing to develop both the scientific case and technical design for the proposed Ion Therapy Research Facility.

At the same time, LhARA is strengthening partnerships with clinical, industrial and public stakeholders as plans for the facility continue to evolve.

The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition provided an opportunity to broaden awareness of the project and engage new audiences with its long-term vision. The collaboration now hopes to build on this momentum as work continues towards establishing a dedicated facility capable of supporting future proton and ion beam therapy research.