This section of the Chilton Computing website is a collection of information about the institute currently known as Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), originally known as the Rutherford High Energy Laboratory (RHEL) then Rutherford Laboratory (RL).
The first NIRNS Annual Report reads:
The Government's decision to set up the National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science was announced in the House of Commons on 14 February 1957 in a statement by the Financial Secretary to the Treasurer from which the following is an extract:
"The main object of the Institute will be to provide, for common use by universities and others, facilities and equipment which are beyond the scope of individual universities and institutions carrying out research in the nuclear field."
The Institute have decided to establish their first laboratory, to be called the Rutherford High Energy Laboratory, on a site made available by the Atomic Energy Authority adjacent to the Atomic Energy Research Establishment. The principal feature of the laboratory will be a 7 GeV proton synchrotron. The Institute have appointed Dr TG Pickavance a Director of the Rutherford High Energy Laboratory. The Institute is financed from the Treasury through the Atomic Energy Authority under a separate sub-head of the Atomic Energy Vote.
Since they are not merely an advisory body will own property and must make decisions for which legal liability must be accepted, the Institute are seeking incorporation. [The method of incorporation considered most appropriate was by Royal Charter, and by Order in Council dated 7th May 1958 Her Majesty was graciously pleased to approve the grant of a Charter.]
Our thanks to UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council for hosting this site.
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