Cardiff University
Lightning Laboratory
Facilities
Europe's only research-based lightning laboratory generating full lightning waveforms up to 400kV and 200kAInstrumentation from high-speed cameras, spectroscopy, and schlieren, to materials and gas analysis, as well as modelling and simulation capabilities
High Current Lightning Generator
The high current lightning generator is housed at Cardiff University's Lightning Laboratory in Cardiff Bay. Learn more about parts of the generator <<here>>, see a <<tour>, or watch the process of a <<strike>>
High Voltage Impulse Generators
The high voltage impulse generators are housed at Cardiff University's Advanced High Voltage Engineering Research Centre at Cardiff School of Engineering in Cardiff city.
Instrumentation
Instrumentation......
Research
Long-established research in lightning protection and direct-effects in the built environment, such as commercial aircraft, power grids, and wind turbinesExploration of lightning interactions and related phenomena in the natural environment, including trees and rainforests, soil resistivity and magnetism, arc initiation physics, by-produce production and emissions, and lightning within different atmospheres
Engagement
A flagship exhibit at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition 2026.We actively engage the public with activities for local schools, charities, industry and artists. We have exhibited and presented at events such as Hay Literature Festival, Eisteddfods, Techniquest, Museum After Dark, and NERC Showcase events.Exploring pathways for young people who are Welsh and those living in Wales into environmental science careers.
NERC Growing Roots
The Elevate project engaged with local asylum seekers and refugees to co-create lightning inspired artwork that is now on display to the generarl public
NERC Opening up the Environment
This project explored the educational pathway barriers that affect Wales, and piloted new approaches to promote careers in environmental science increasing NERC diversity. A second stage of the project will co-create bilingual resources for primary schools embedding welsh culture and careers related learning. Professional development training for teachers will encourage environmental science education in Wales and beyond.
RAEng Engineering Animations
This project co-created novel children-led animated stories around engineering topics inspired by researchers and industry on topics such as sustainable buildings, future transport, the electricity grid and more.
Media
Contributions to documentary films, radio programmes, social media productions, and artists, including BBC TV, BBC Radio, ITV, CBC, and Discovery ChannelA large collection of high quality photographs, high-speed videos, and other lightning-related data
People
A highly experienced team of scientists, engineers, researchers, and public engagement professionals who work with other lightning scientists across the world in both academia and industry.
Daniel Mitchard
The high current lightning generator is housed at Cardiff University's Lightning Laboratory in Cardiff Bay. Learn more about parts of the generator <<here>>, see a <<tour>, or watch the process of a <<strike>>
David Clark
The high voltage impulse generators are housed at Cardiff University's Advanced High Voltage Engineering Research Centre at Cardiff School of Engineering in Cardiff city.
People
Daniel Mitchard is a particle physicist...
David Clark
Phillip Lugg-Widger is experienced in high voltage and lightning applications, with a particular focus on public engagement and diversity.
Christopher Stone is the laboratory manager, and built much of the lightning generator
Contact Us
Cardiff University Lightning Laboratory
Pacific Road
Cardiff
CF24 5HLAdvanced High Voltage Research Engineering Centre
Cardiff School of Engineering
Queen's Buildings
The Parade
Cardiff
CF24 3AA
Thank You
High Current Lightning Generator
The high current lightning generator is housed at Cardiff University's Lightning Laboratory in Cardiff Bay. Learn more about parts of the generator <<here>>, see a <<tour>, or watch the process of a <<strike>>