Helium shortages caused by the US–Iran war haven’t got UK chemistry departments worried yet

NMR self service

Source: © The University of Edinburgh 2026

Helium recovery systems have helped universities avoid impacts from supply issues

Chemistry departments in the UK have told Chemistry World that they are not currently facing any major issues securing helium yet, despite continued disruption to global supplies stemming from the US–Iran war. Many attribute this to a helium recovery system, which allows departments to continue to run various analytical equipment in a business-as-usual scenario.