The project supports National Science Foundation priorities in biotechnology, energy, advanced manufacturing and health
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, or MagLab, is launching a new magnet facility to build on its world leadership in nuclear magnetic resonance with $18 million in funding from the National Science Foundation.
The new ultra-high-sensitivity facility will center around a new 23.5-tesla nuclear magnetic resonance, or NMR, magnet, one of the strongest in the United States, complemented by additional equipment to accelerate data acquisition for a wide range of research.
"This grant will fund an instrument that is unique in the world. It's a significant milestone and exciting news for the MagLab, FSU and the U.S. as a whole," said Frederic Mentink-Vigier, lead researcher for the project and an affiliated faculty member in the FSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "What this instrument is opening up is the ability to look at samples with higher sensitivity, and thus to look at the entirety of the periodic table."
With stronger magnets, researchers can make deeper investigations to drive breakthroughs across disciplines.
"This facility will provide previously inaccessible capabilities for understanding the structure and dynamics of matter at the atomic scale, critical to U.S. priorities in biotechnology, energy, advanced manufacturing and health," said the NSF award announcement.
New magnet, expanded capabilities
Nuclear magnetic resonance harnesses high magnetic fields and radio waves to determine the 3D structures of molecules, uncover the mechanisms of enzymes and catalysts, and provide insights into surfaces and interfaces at scales far beyond the reach of conventional microscopes.
The technology allows scientists to examine samples for biologically essential elements such as iron, copper, sulfur and calcium, along with greater study of membrane proteins that act as cell gatekeepers and amyloid proteins, which play a role in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Type II diabetes and other diseases.
"All this is essential to be able to understand disease and develop cures," said Mentink-Vigier.
The instrument will expand capabilities to see elements such as lithium and sodium being studied for solid-state batteries. Scientists will also be able to better detect cadmium, selenium and lead, crucial for electronics, solar cells and LEDs, along with platinum-group metals, which play critical roles in catalysis and medicine.
World-leading techniques
Mentink-Vigier's research focuses on dynamic nuclear polarization, or DNP, a technique in which he is a world-renowned expert. This new instrument represents the cutting edge of DNP, a signal amplifier that improves sensitivity by up to four orders of magnitude. The new system will utilize magic angle spinning, combined either with DNP or cryoprobes, to improve resolution. That technique can lower measurement times by a factor of up to 16. This will be the only ultra-high-field magnet in the world equipped with both magic angle spinning and dynamic nuclear polarization.
"When people want information out of the NMR experiments, this is the combination: magic angle spinning gives you resolution and dynamic nuclear polarization gives you signaling intensity," said Mentink-Vigier. "We have the ability to do experiments that previously we were not able to do. What you could not absolutely see before, you can now see."
Serving the scientific community
The new magnet system is scheduled for installation in 2028, with access for users from around the world starting the following year. The new magnet will operate as part of the MagLab's large user program, serving more than 1,600 academic researchers and companies each year, and providing a technical training ground for students who will help build the future STEM workforce.
"Our NMR program is already known for its unparalleled equipment and expertise," said MagLab Director Kathleen Amm. "This will only expand what's possible for top scientists from around the world who come here to push the boundaries in biology and other disciplines."
"I am delighted to see this remarkable facility become a reality and serve the scientific community," said Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, MagLab researcher and professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
Ramamoorthy's lab investigates amyloid formation, dynamic structures of membrane proteins and the roles of biological relevant metals in disease-related molecular processes.
"This award further amplifies the MagLab's impact by empowering scientists from around the world to make new discoveries," he said.
A legacy of NMR leadership
The project serves as a legacy for former NMR Facility Director Robert Schurko, who passed away in February 2026 after a battle with cancer. Schurko spent his career extending the use of solid-state NMR research and discovery.
"Rob was the catalyst that brought us together around a shared vision of creating a unique facility that would push the boundaries of solid-state NMR," said Mentink-Vigier. "We are honored to carry his vision forward. This award is a testament to Rob's legacy and our collective commitment to making this facility a reality."
The National MagLab is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the State of Florida.
