In its December 2025 meeting, the SNSS board has finalised a strategy document for neutron science focusing on the develoment of the community in the next 10 years. The strategy emphasizes the importance of develping a community that can grow naturally and sustainably, following the substantial investment made in the last decade. This includes ensuring […]
TimGunter
PortGISANS: Nested mirror optics for a portable GISANS adapter
by Filip Mehler Grazing-incidence scattering techniques are powerful tools for studies in surface science. In particular, grazing-incidence neutron scattering (GISANS) provides unique insights in soft-matter systems and magnetic structures, in particular, if they are buried beneath a surface. However, the brilliance of neutron sources is limited hindering the method from becoming widely used. Particularly, for […]
Super-ADAM workshop
The polarized neutron reflectometer Super-ADAM which is operated by Sweden at the ILL has recently received a new round of funding for continued operation for the next 4 years. To celebrate this great accomplishment, a workshop will be held on Monday, 15 December 13:00-16:00 at Ångströmslaboratoriet (Å90101) in Uppsala. Contributions will include talks by board […]
MATRAC school 2026
The MATRAC School series provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and experimental techniques used in the analysis of advanced engineering materials through neutron (MATRAC 2) and synchrotron radiation (MATRAC 1). The two types of radiation share common characteristics, many of the experimental methods are similar and their results are analysed based on the same […]
FASEM school 2026
The FASEM is a recurring biennial advanced-school, rotating across three key thematic areas: Scattering Techniques for Environment & Materials, Life Sciences, and Energy Applications. Its goals are to prepare the future generation of users of large-scale facilities for synchrotron and neutron scattering; develop and strengthen sustainable scientific exchanges between the French and Swedish communities on […]
Call for Input to the ESS Instrument Roadmap
ESS invites the scientific community to contribute to the development of its long-term instrument roadmap. Beyond the 15 instruments currently under construction, we seek scientifically driven conceptual ideas for future instruments to ensure that ESS remains globally competitive and scientifically impactful for decades to come. Teams across Europe are encouraged to submit proposals from February […]
Instrument Scientist for BIFROST
The ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron material research facility in the world, we are seeking to appoint an Instrument Scientist to join the Spectroscopy Division within the […]
Postdoc for TR-QENS and TR-SANS in soft matter
The European Spallation Source (ESS) Spectroscopy Division is currently looking for a post-doctoral fellow (3 years) in Time-Resolved Neutron Scattering on Silk-Based Materials, working at the intersection of biomaterials science, soft matter physics, and neutron scattering methodology. More information can be found here.
Hercules European School 2026
The Hercules school goes into its next installation from 22 February to 29 March 2026, offering participating PhD students and Postdocs the possiblity to build a broad understanding of different scattering methods in an international environment with participants and teachers from all aroud the world. In addition to lectures, this school is especially valuable since it […]
Röntgen-Ångström Cluster project call
Röntgen-Ångström Cluster (RÅC) is a German-Swedish research collaboration in structural biology and materials science. The purpose is to strengthen research in materials science and structural biology that uses neutron and synchrotron radiation (also free electron laser radiation), and to stimulate the use and/or accumulation of competence for major research infrastructures that already exist or are […]
ESS/MAX IV/SciLifeLab Summit 2025
How can and should we use the massive amounts of data generated by ESS, MAX IV and SciLifeLab, and how can AI help manage it? These questions are the focus of this year’s summit in Lund on 3 October 2025. Many interesting contributions will show different perspectives about these and related topics on the 3rd October. […]
Call for NextStep ILL PhD project proposals
The ILL, ESRF and e-DREAM, together with EMBL support within the NextStep project 36 PhD positions in collaboration with academic partners and industry. PhD projects funded by NEXTSTEP must focus on high-impact, challenge-driven research that is aligned with the Horizon Europe Pillar 2 clusters: “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space,” Climate, Energy & Mobility”, and “Food, […]
Student’s Spotlight – Yao Hu
Yao Hu is a final-year PhD student from Chalmers University of Technology, working in the Division of Microstructure Physics under the supervision of Dr. Magnus Hörnqvist Colliander and Dr. Sheng Guo. His research focuses on investigating local structural effects in refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) using synchrotron and neutron total scattering techniques. Yao’s project can help […]
Student’s Spotlight – Hanno Holzinger
Hanno is a PhD student at the Fibre and Polymer Technology department at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, focusing on the characterization of water transport phenomena in lignocellulosic systems. To understand the diffusive behaviour of water, Hanno’s research involves utilizing advanced characterization techniques like pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (PFG NMR), neutron […]
Student’s Spotlight – Maggie Kroon
Maggie Kroon is a PhD student in materials chemistry at Lund University. Maggie has been working and studying for 1,5 years in the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis department at the Kemicentrum at the Lund University under the supervision of Professor Karen Edler. The Edler group focuses on exploring nanoscopic materials ranging from a few […]
Student’s Spotlight – Giovanni Tizzanini
Giovanni Tizzanini is a PhD student at Chalmers University of Technology in Göteborg. Giovanni is working in the Applied Chemistry division under the supervision of Professor Anna Ström. Giovanni’s research spans food science, material science, and nutrition, focusing on the behavior of biopolymers such as pectin and gelatin. These versatile materials are not only crucial […]
Swedish Neutron Week 2025 to be held in Visby during early June
The Swedish Neutron Week serves as the yearly focal point of neutron activities in Sweden. As such, planning is progressing steadily and we can share some updates regarding the conference in this newsletter. As previously anounced, the gathering will take place in Visby (Gotland) with the following dates: 9-11 June: Strategic, Technical and […]
Student’s Spotlight – Arun Haridas Choolakkal
Arun Haridas Choolakkal, a final-year PhD student at the Thin Film Physics division of Linköping University, is set to defend his thesis in December 2024. His research is a significant contribution to the filed of solid-state neutron detectors, driven by the need for alternative to 3He neutron detectors. Arun’s PhD project centres on the development […]
SwedNess Graduate School in Japan
SwedNess graduate school, PhD students from 6 SwedNess Universities (Lund University, Linköping University, Chalmers University of Technology, Stockholm University, Uppsala University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology), spent the last week of August in Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) in Japan. The program included a full-day-lecture by neutron experts from J-PARC, visiting the Hardon […]
Student’s Spotlight – Elena Naumovska
Elena Naumovska is a PhD student from Chalmers University of Technology. The search for renewable energy solutions has increased the interest in proton conducting perovskite-type oxides, particularly for their application in intermediate temperature fuel cells. Elena adopts a multi-technique approach to investigate these materials. Her research aims to identify key questions regarding the local structure […]
Student’s Spotlight – Bradley Green
Bradley is a PhD student in Materials Chemistry at the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, within Lund University. His project focuses on small angle scattering of both neutrons and x-rays, alongside a handful of complimentary techniques commonly used within the soft matter realm. Bradley’s current work explores the nanoscale structure of a class of […]
Student’s Spotlight – Tim Günter
Tim is a PhD at the Materials Physics divisions of Uppsala University. He works in the Soft Matter group on time- and interface dependent ordering processes of soft crystals. His project can help with understanding how the microstructure of polymer micellar systems is affected by interfaces and mechanical strain. As a next step these effects […]
Student’s Spotlight – Frank Elson
Frank is a third-year PhD student from KTH, Applied Physics, working in the SMaRT group on low dimensional quantum materials, such as superconductors and quantum magnets. His project can help in further understanding the phases of many body quantum systems, which could in term aid in furthering material-based solutions to be used in new technologies […]
Call for collaborative Sweden-ILL PhD projects
As part of the Scientific Member agreement between Sweden and the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) for the period 2024 – 2029, 4 four-year PhD projects are available to be filled as soon as possible. These projects are intended to strengthen the Swedish neutron scattering community in all regions and across a range of scientific areas […]
MATRAC 2 school in Germany
The MATRAC 2 School will provide a systematic overview of the application of neutrons and synchrotron radiation to the structural analysis of engineering materials and will focus on neutron scattering and imaging experiments. Students and young scientists from research and industry from all over Europe interested in this field are welcome to participate. This school […]
List of Upcoming Events Surrounding Neutron Scattering
Within Sweden Northern Lights on Food Conference: Boosting structural food science, Lund – 27-29 May 2024 Swedish Neutron Week, Lund – 29-31 May 2024 Outside Sweden QENS/WINS 2024, Manchester (UK) – 10-14 June 2024 SXNS17, 17th International Conference on Surface X-ray and Neutron Scattering, Grenoble (France) – 15-18 July 2024 MATRAC 2 school, Neutrons […]
Student’s Spotlight – Yuqing Ge
Yuqing is a PhD student from KTH studying quantum materials such as 2 dimensional (2D) materials. There, the “2D” includes not only thin films, but also quasi low-dimensional materials which are bulk material by themselves but are treated as 2D, considering their low coupling between the natural plane in nuclear structures. For example, the van […]
Improved polarizing neutron optics with increased reflectivity, enhanced polarization, less diffuse scattering and eliminated magnetic coercivity
by Anton Zubayer Neutron optics are essential parts of neutron scattering facilities, where they guide, collimate, focus, and polarize the neutron beam tailored to each beamlines experiments. The most common neutron optics are multilayer neutron optics which are characterized by alternating layers of materials. For polarizing neutron optics, one of the layers must be magnetic […]
Swedish Neutron Week 2024 to be held in May
We are pleased to announce that the Swedish Neutron Week 2024 will be organized in Lund, with Lund University and ESS as local organizers. The conference will be held at Stadshallen 29th – 31st May 2024. The event is jointly arranged by SNSS, SwedNess, ESS and Lund University, and is open to everyone who is, or wish to be, part of the Swedish neutron scattering […]
Student’s Spotlight – Ratchawit (Leo) Janewithayapun
Leo is a PhD student at Chalmers University working on the characterization and synthesis of melt-processable materials derived from wheat bran. Polysaccharides, such as cellulose or xylan are not melt-processable in their native state. However, with chemical modification, these abundant natural polymers can be transformed into materials exhibiting plastic-like processability and mechanical properties. In his […]
Student’s Spotlight – Karthika Kariattukarakaran Thilakan
Karthika is a PhD student from Uppsala University, working on the structure-property relationship in magnetic materials. Her primary focus involves working with metallic alloys, specifically magnetic quasicrystal approximants. Her research project consists of two main parts: the first delves into complex magnetic structures, with a focus on understanding non-trivial magnetic ground states and identifying universal […]
Swedish Neutron Week 2024 – save the date
29 – 31 May 2024, Lund We are happy to anounce that the Swedish Neutron Week in 2024 will take place in Lund between 29-31 May from lunch-to-lunch. In the afternoon of the 31st, a visit of the ESS site is planned to enable the community some first-hand impressions about the progress at the facility. On the Monday and […]
The Onset of Molecule-Spanning Dynamics in Heat Shock Protein Hsp90
by Felix Roosen-Runge Proteins are the biomacromolecular motors of life. While earlier accounts stressed the lock-key concept of protein function, a more complete understanding needs to take into account motions and molecular flexibility as ingredients how specific functions can be performed. In particular, larger conformational changes are known to reflect allosteric changes from active to […]
Student’s Spotlight – Juanita Francis
Juanita is a third-year PhD student from Lund University, focused on understanding the formation of silk model systems—specifically, recombinant Cylindriform silk and reconstituted silkworm silk. Her project will help in developing new design rules for mediating protein self-assembly by examining the aqueous polymer processing exhibited by cylindriform silk proteins. The transfer of this technology could […]
Interaction of a Histidine-Rich Antimicrobial Saliva Peptide with Model Cell Membranes: The Role of Histidines
by Amanda Eriksson Skog, Yuri Gerelli and Marie Skepö Here we present a continuation study of our previous paper, Spontaneous Formation of Cushioned Model Membranes Promoted by an Intrinsically Disordered Protein, in which we found that upon the interaction of Histatin 5 (Hst5) with a model lipid bilayer, a peptide cushion spontaneously forms underneath the […]
ESS – in-kind projects
The purpose of the projects funded by the Research council is to enable Swedish researchers to contribute to the build-up of the European Spallation Source (ESS) and for Swedish competence within areas such as instrumentation to be built up and new collaborations developed. In-kind collaborations provide a close link to ESS, one of the world’s […]
A Comprehensive Experimental Approach to Multifunctional Quantum Materials & their Physical Properties – Geometry and Physics in Condensed Matter
by Elisabetta Nocerino Symmetry-breaking phenomena underpin various intriguing physical properties in condensed matter such as magnetism [1,2,3,4] and superconductivity [5,6]. Understanding such fundamental properties holds significant importance for the development of cutting-edge technologies, including spintronics, quantum computing, and advanced magnetic materials, as well as foster innovation in energy-related applications [7]. The crystalline solid NaCr2O4 represents […]
A guide to spatially resolved phase and texture evaluation by diffraction contrast neutron imaging
The physical properties of structural as well as functional components are largely governed by the materials microstructure. In polycrystalline materials, the crystallographic phase and preferred grain orientation (texture) can dominate the physical properties. A range of microscopy and diffraction techniques are hence routinely used for their characterization, but are prone to miss local variations across […]
Coexisting curved and flat membranes
The complexity of cellular membranes is not only reflected by their wide molecular composition but also in the wide range of morphologies with coexisting high and low curvature regions. Very little is known about the nanostructure of curved membranes, due to limitations in experimental and simulation approaches. Even though curvature-induced microscopic phase separation has been […]
Webinar Registration: Structure Generation for MD Simulations of Soft Matter Systems
It is our great pleasure to invite you to an online launch event and workshop to showcase two new software workflows which will be of interest to the Small-angle Scattering and Disordered Materials communities. The development of these tools has been funded by the Ada Lovelace Centre and they are intended to offer users new […]
Advancements in Thermal Neutron Scattering Law Generation
The design of neutron systems, for example nuclear reactors and neutron sources, requires the usage of Monte-Carlo simulation software to predict the distributions of neutrons throughout the system. At low energies, the interactions of neutrons with a material is driven by interactions on the atomic and molecular scale and thus a proper description of this […]
Swedish in-kind to ESS
The Swedish neutron community have long been asking for a way of contributing in-kind to ESS, and now it is possible. This way, Sweden can build competence in instrumentation and new collaborations develop. In-kind collaborations can give a close connection to the ESS instrument projects and opportunities to be involved in first science at ESS.