University Collaboration

Oxford Instruments PLC
01 July 2002


1 July 2002


Oxford Instruments sign collaboration agreement with Cambridge University


Oxford Instruments and Cambridge University have signed an agreement to create a
new laboratory that brings together two of the UK's leading superconducting
detector teams in a 20 year collaboration.

The groups will be located at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge University
where their complementary areas of expertise will be combined in a new single
facility. The quality of the laboratory and calibre of the combined teams will
place the group in a strong position to create a new generation of analytical
techniques in the physical and biological sciences by developing advanced
systems and instruments based on analytical detectors.

The technology concerned includes the most sensitive sensors of light and other
radiation in the world and has potential applications ranging from the imaging
of DNA and other biological molecules to applications in astrophysics and
satellite-based detectors. For example, one of the detectors is so sensitive
that, if mounted in a satellite, it could detect the light and colour of a
cigarette being smoked in London.

Under the terms of the agreement Oxford Instruments' Cambridge-based Thin Films
team will combine their 15 years detector production experience with the
Cambridge team at the University.  In addition, Oxford Instruments will license
its Intellectual Property to the laboratory and endow the University with a
donation of equipment to be used for fabricating and testing these devices which
will complement the infrastructure provided by a recent £3.5m government grant
to the University.

The Company will benefit from a royalty stream from any future commercial
developments arising from the exploitation of its intellectual property within
the new facility.  In addition, the Company has an opportunity to make equipment
sales to the laboratory and to take up exploitation rights on key technology
developments relevant to its markets.

Andrew Mackintosh, Chief Executive of Oxford Instruments, said: "This
collaboration is an excellent example of the creative approach we are taking to
the exploitation of our intellectual property."



Enquiries contact:


Andrew Mackintosh, Oxford Instruments plc                    Tel: [phone]
Martin Lamaison, Oxford Instruments plc                      Tel: [phone]
Chris Barrie, Citigate Dewe Rogerson                         Tel: [phone]





Notes to editors

Oxford Instruments is a global leader in advanced instrumentation. It is
recognised as a world leader in several technologies, including the application
of superconductivity, the creation of low temperatures, the production and
detection of X-rays and in neurological measurements. The Company's products are
used around the world in healthcare, semiconductor processing, scientific
research, industrial chemical analysis and quality control. Its customers
include the world's major international companies as well as the leading
research institutes and hospitals.



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