Introduction
The University of Manchester Institute for Science and Technology (UMIST) is a British university with a long tradition of the highest quality electrical engineering research and teaching. In particular UMIST, which has become part of the University of Manchester, has been involved in high voltage (HV) engineering since 1958 when Sir John Cockcroft opened the original HV laboratory. The laboratory was moved to its present home in the Ferranti Building in 1970 and was re-opened with the title the “Cockcroft Laboratory.” This 500-m2 main laboratory has always been a valued and busy asset. The thriving Electrical Energy and Power Systems Group now comprises eight full-time academic staff members and 40 postgraduate students. The refurbished laboratory is now the pivotal point of the new National Grid Transco HV Research Centre.