CryoUsers 2026: A Resounding Success at the University of Manchester
With a proud history spanning 34 years, CryoUsers has grown from a small gathering of university technicians into a highly respected forum for the cryogenics community. Originally established when many UK universities began operating helium liquefiers and recovery systems, the event provided an opportunity for technical staff to come together, share their experiences, discuss operational challenges and learn from one another.
Over the years, CryoUsers has expanded to encompass all aspects of facility and laboratory cryogenics, attracting professionals from research establishments and industry alike. With strong support from key industrial partners, it continues to promote training, cooperation, innovation and the exchange of technical knowledge.
CryoUsers 2026, hosted at the University of Manchester in the Schuster Building, proved to be a resounding success. The event brought together delegates, technical specialists and industry representatives for valuable discussions, knowledge sharing and networking, reinforcing the importance of collaboration within the cryogenics community.
The social programme was another highlight of the event. Delegates enjoyed a welcoming buffet on Monday evening, providing an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and establish new professional relationships. Tuesday evening was particularly memorable, with Manchester Conferences arranging exclusive use of the magnificent Manchester Museum for a four-course banquet. The spectacular surroundings provided a wonderful setting for an evening of conversation, networking and celebration.
The success of CryoUsers 2026 demonstrated the continued importance of this long-established event. More than three decades after its beginnings, CryoUsers remains a valuable meeting place for the cryogenics community, bringing together practical experience, technical expertise and industry knowledge in an atmosphere of cooperation and friendship.
Further Information you may be interested in
- CryoUsers Constitution.pdf
- CryoUsers 2024 Conference Summary
- CryoUsers 2022 Conference Summary.pdf
- CryoUsers 2019 Conference Summary
- Cryousers 2017 Conference Summary
Our Sponsors

History
CryoUsers meetings started over 25 years ago, when many of the UK Universities purchased helium liquefiers; varying degrees of operational success led the technical staff responsible for operating the liquefiers to gather together and share operational experiences.
The first event was hosted by Lancaster in 1991 and was a clear success, not only in sharing experience, but in establishing a network with its own identity and strong interconnecting bonds. Industry also recognises the merits of CryoUsers as an influential group in the marketplace.
The CryoUsers Group has continued to meet every two years, moving to a different venue each time. The gathering has evolved to include a range of talks, networking opportunities and an industrial sponsors’ exhibition.
- 1991 Lancaster University
- 1992 Oxford University
- 1993 Southampton University
- 1995 Liverpool University
- 1997 St Andrews University
- 1999 Sheffield University
- 2001 Cambridge University
- 2003 Leicester University
- 2005 Manchester University
- 2007 Oxford: hosted by STFC
- 2009 Royal Holloway
- 2011 Lancaster University
- 2013 Bristol University
- 2015 Exeter University
- 2017 Coventry Techno Centre
- 2019 St Andrews University
- 2022 University of Nottingham
- 2024 University of Leeds
- Cryogenics for Power and Energy, a Winning Ticket
- ISIS Cryogenic Moderators Systems
- Sauer Refrigeration & Special Gases
- Thermodynamics
- Cryogencis for the US Navy
- CO2 for SE and He Recovery
- ASU SG Eco Origin
- Diamond Light Source Ltd - Superconducting RF Cavities & Helium Refrigeration
- Up-Hill Flowing Liquid
- UoN R&D MRI
- BOC
- SubSea
