THE secrets of a machine that can generate light a billion times brighter than the sun will be revealed to curious members of the public on Saturday.

Scientists are throwing open the doors of Diamond Light Source – or "synchrotron" – which has supported pioneering research into cancer, HIV and Alzheimer’s.

The project's chief executive officer, Prof Andrew Harrison, described Diamond as "one of the UK’s most impressive scientific endeavours" and "a source of pride for the science community and the nation".

The facility, near Didcot, celebrates its 15th birthday next week.

Prof Harrison said: "People are coming from all over Oxfordshire and the UK to get a rare glimpse backstage, and we want them to leave feeling inspired by the science we do here."

The synchrotron's mind-bendingly dazzling light is used by scientists to research new drugs, technology and engineering. It is the only machine of its kind in the UK.

Diamond was designed in 2001 and became a joint venture between the UK government and the Wellcome Trust.

The Harwell campus near Didcot was chosen to host the synchrotron because of its proximity to other leading science facilities, creating a national science hub for academic institutions from across the UK and beyond.

The synchrotron is now a jewel in the crown of Oxfordshire’s science industry.

Prof Harrison said: "We are in a privileged position to be able to engage both young people and our wider cohort of visitors with truly compelling examples of science in action."

The open day is expected to draw in almost 300 visitors. The visit will include the chance to grill scientists involved in advanced research, as well as a tour of the tunnels in which electrons are accelerated to produce intense light.

The event is one of several occasions each year when the high-tech machine throws open its doors for the public to explore.

It follows on from an open day involving the entire Harwell Campus in 2015 when 16,000 people flocked to see inside the site’s cutting-edge science facilities.

Prof Harrison said: "Diamond’s vision is to engage and inspire the general public through promoting an understanding of and enthusiasm for science."

To find out more about opportunities to see inside the synchrotron, visit Diamond.ac.uk/Public