Research tools are non-patented, high-impact outputs of academic research – from reagents and software to methodologies and more – that enable researchers and companies worldwide to accelerate discovery and innovation.
Licensed rapidly and non exclusively, they extend the reach of our researchers’ work by supporting faster research for the licensee, improved reproducibility and wider reach, thus delivering immediate benefits for science, industry and society.
Advancing protein design through AI
Often multiple research tools are created from one lab or research group. Dr Pietro Sormanni and Aubin Ramon from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry have contributed two machine learning tools that have become leaders within the academic community. Developed with the goal of improving the efficiency of antibody and nanobody engineering through deep learning, AbNatiV assesses the nativeness of antibodies and nanobodies, while NanoMelt is a tool that predicts nanobody thermostability, another key factor in optimal design. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in computational biology, these Cambridge researchers are contributing tools that are helping enhance protein design.
Advancing early autism identification
Developed by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at the Autism Research Centre, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a widely used self-report and parent-report questionnaire that measures autistic traits in adults, adolescents, and children. Since the publication of the adult version in 2001, it has played a significant role in improving early identification and awareness of autism, particularly among those who may otherwise have gone undiagnosed, helping to improve referrals and the allocation of clinical resources. It also pioneered the measurement of autistic traits, that exist in a bell curve in the population, as one metric of neurodiversity.
Now translated into more than 30 languages, and in 3 versions for different age groups, the AQ is used globally across clinical, research and policy settings. It is available for free to download here for research and non-commercial use. If it is used commercially, the Autism Research Centre is paid a fee. The shorter AQ-10, is recommended in the NICE guidelines for use in primary care to support early identification and referral.
Large-scale studies have deployed the AQ to screen tens of thousands of individuals, advancing a data-driven understanding of neurodiversity. The AQ includes traits related to strengths (such as excellent attention to detail) as well as challenges (such as in attention-switching or in imagining what someone else might think or feel).
Its continued use across healthcare systems, research institutions and digital platforms reflects the impact of Cambridge innovation in improving lives and fostering a more inclusive future.
“Research tools allow Cambridge expertise to create impact at pace, helping researchers, clinicians and industry partners deliver better outcomes for society.”
Even where research tools are freely available for non-commercial research and clinical use, appropriate licensing frameworks and dissemination channels remain essential. They ensure responsible use, broaden access and support effective integration with validated tools and platforms, helping to maximise the reach and integrity of Cambridge innovation.
