Boulby Underground Laboratory
Boulby Underground Laboratory is the UK’s deep underground science facility. Located 1.1 km beneath the North York Moors, the lab hosts world-class science that explores the universe and delivers local, regional, national, and international impact. Operated by STFC and hosted by ICL-UK, Boulby Underground Laboratory supports a multitude of research areas, including low-background particle physics, dark matter detection, Earth and environmental science, astrobiology, planetary exploration, and quantum technologies. One of only a dozen deep underground facilities worldwide, Boulby Underground Lab hosts science that, crucially, can’t be done on the surface.
A special place for science, a quiet place in the universe
Our 4,000 m³ deep underground lab, ISO 6 and 7 cleanrooms, heavy lifting, power, internet, and 3,000 m³ Outside Experimental Area enable pioneering experiments that push the boundaries of both pure and applied multidisciplinary science – from particle physics and the search for dark matter in our universe to Earth sciences, astrobiology, and planetary exploration.
Working in partnership
Science that goes deep
Deep underground laboratories are rare but wonderful. One of only 12 in the world, Boulby Underground Laboratory hosts science projects that can only be done deep underground – whether this be searching for dark matter, screening ultra-pure materials, developing quantum technologies, testing prototype Mars rovers, studying extremophile life, investigating the structure of the Earth, or anything more.
Our history
A unique industry partnership
Boulby Underground Laboratory is operated by STFC in close partnership with ICL-UK, the operator of Boulby Mine. This unique collaboration enables world-class science to take place within a working polyhalite and salt mine, combining industrial expertise with scientific excellence. Together, STFC and ICL-UK provide safe, supported access to one of the world’s most exceptional deep underground environments, ensuring Boulby Underground Laboratory remains a globally significant facility for decades to come.
Our impact
Our location
Location
Boulby Underground Science Facility
Boulby Mine
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Cleveland
TS13 4UZ
FAQs
What is the purpose of hosting particle physics projects deep underground?
Ultra-sensitive particle physics experiments (such as dark matter detectors) require an environment with minimal interference from cosmic radiation. Deep underground science facilities like Boulby Underground Laboratory act as a ‘quiet place in the Universe’, experiencing one million times fewer cosmic particles than the surface of the Earth, making them the ideal place to hold ultra-sensitive particle physics experiments.
How can I work with Boulby Underground Laboratory?
Researchers interested in developing new experiments or proposals at Boulby Underground Laboratory are invited to contact us with an expression of interest. We welcome ideas across all scientific disciplines supported at the facility, and our team can advise on feasibility, infrastructure, and next steps for formal proposal submission. We also welcome proposals for collaboration on our public engagement programmes. Please use the contact form at the top of the website to get in touch.
For all press and media enquiries, please contact the STFC Press Office at pressoffice@stfc.ac.uk.
Can I visit the lab?
Unfortunately we are unable to host public visits due to the logistic complexities involved with working underground. If you would like to request a visit for a business or operational purpose, please enquire using the contact form at the top of our website.
What sort of science do you do underground?
Our science programme can be broadly split into four key themes: low-background particle physics, Earth and environmental science, space and planetary science, and quantum technologies. You can find out more about each of these areas in the Science Programmes section of our website.
Enquiries
Interested in working with us? Get in touch to explore how Boulby Underground Laboratory can provide access to world-class underground facilities to support your research and outreach.