STFC Neutron Review 2024-Community Consultation

Overview

Neutron scattering capabilities are a major component of the UK’s research and discovery science infrastructure, as they facilitate unprecedented levels of insight into the structure and functional behaviour of materials and systems. These specialised techniques find application across the full spectrum of science disciplines, and specifically wherever there are questions about where atoms and molecules are, or about what they are doing.

At the current time, UK neutron scattering capability is primarily provided through operation and affiliation to two large facilities: the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in Oxfordshire, UK, and the Institut Laue Langevin in Grenoble, France. Beyond this, the UK is also a 10% partner in the construction of the new European Spallation Source that is currently being built in Lund, Sweden.

The coming decade will see many changes in the large facilities landscape that will impact the UK neutron scattering community:

• The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source will be delivering an upgraded and enlarged suite of instruments through its approved Endeavour programme, that is scheduled for completion in 2033.
• The Institut Laue Langevin will be operating under its sixth protocol, that has confirmed its operation until at least 2030, and potentially until 2033, and
• The European Spallation Source is anticipating first beam on target by 2025, the commencement of its science programme in 2026, and steady state operation of its full suite of 15 new neutron instruments by the start of 2028

Why your views matter

In anticipation of these developments, the Science and Technology Facilities Council has commissioned a forward-looking review of the neutron facilities landscape, to report by the end of 2024. Its aim is to examine how the expected capacity and capability changes in instrumentation provision may impact the science programmes and research ambitions of the UK neutron-beam-using community.

An independent review panel has been appointed, and to assist them in their evaluation of how the changes in instrumentation provision will impact the UK science programmes, we are launching a short consultation process. This will form part of the evidence base that the review will consider. Here we are requesting that UK users of the facilities, and other interested parties, provide input by responding to this questionnaire