A new paper published in Nature Physics in July 2026 acknowledges the support of the UPDICE project.

The paper, “Attosecond response of molecules to impulsive ionization”, investigates the response of para-aminophenol molecules following sudden ionisation. Using attosecond X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the researchers resolve ultrafast electronic dynamics with atomic-scale sensitivity, capturing processes occurring on sub-femtosecond and few-femtosecond timescales.

The findings provide new experimental insight into ultrafast charge motion and provide an important benchmark for theoretical models of molecular dynamics following ionisation.

Read the paper: Nature Physics

A new research paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) in July 2026 acknowledges the support of the UPDICE project.

The paper, “Photoinduced Enhancement of Chemical Shift Sensitivity to Local Vibrations”, investigates the ultrafast dynamics of photoexcited 3-fluoropyridine using time-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The research demonstrates how X-ray spectroscopy can reveal changes in the local chemical environment of individual atoms as a molecule responds to light excitation.

The work highlights the potential of advanced X-ray techniques to provide new insights into the fundamental processes that govern molecular dynamics and photochemistry.

Read the paper: Journal of the American Chemical Society

A collection of key documents relating to the UK XFEL project is now publicly available online.

The documents provide an overview of the proposed UK-based next-generation X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL), including the scientific case, project objectives and the latest machine design. They set out the strategic importance of developing access to this capability for UK science and highlight the opportunities it could create for research over the coming decades.

The documents are available to view and download on the UK XFEL website.

View the UK XFEL documents

Professor Helen Fielding has been elected President-elect of the Faraday Community for Physical Chemistry, adding another significant leadership role to her work in the physical chemistry community.

Helen will take up the Presidency in 2027, following her current role as a Council member of the Faraday Community. Her appointment highlights her continued contribution to the wider physical chemistry community, alongside her research and leadership within UPDICE.

The news comes during a busy year for the Community, which has also seen the third Women in Photochemistry meeting held at UCL, bringing together 70 researchers from across the UK, and continued involvement from UPDICE researchers in major national and international conferences and scientific discussions.