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This project will cover the cost of some equipment called a spectroradometer.
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This project will fund the purchase of a spectroradometer. This will be used at the Kings College London by Prof Antony Young, who is establishing a UVR irradiation and measurement research laboratory. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with at least 70,000 new cases being diagnosed every year. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that causes skin cancer. There are different types of UVR in sunrays; UVB (shorter wavelengths) and UVA (longer wavelengths) radiation. UVB is about 1000 times more effective at causing sunburn than UVA. This means the small amount of UVB (less than 5%) in sunlight is responsible for most of the sunburn. The effects of the sun’s UVR can be simulated with UVR lamps in the laboratory, but because the effects of UVB and UVA can be quantitatively and qualitatively different, it is very important to know the spectral profile (the amount of UVR at different wavelengths) of the lamps. It is not possible to rely on manufacturers’ data because the spectral profile may alter with time. The grant will be used to purchase a device known as a spectroradiometer, which measures the amount of the different wavelengths that are emitted by UVR lamps. The spectroradiometer will be used for two of Professor Young’s current PhD student projects. In turn, the findings of these projects could help dermatologists to further understand the effects of UVR radiation on the skin. The spectroradometer costs £5,209.