UK and Switzerland partner for science using neutrons, muons and X-rays

A strategic partnership between research facilities in the UK and Switzerland has been established by the UK International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), which will develop new capabilities for science using neutrons, muons and X-rays.

UK facilities – ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (ISIS) and the Diamond Light Source , located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) – and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), in Switzerland – home to the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source SINQ, the Swiss Muon Source SμS, the Swiss Light Source SLS and the X-ray Free-Electron Laser SwissFEL – will create new scientific capabilities to address global challenges.

These large-scale research infrastructures have a rich history in pushing forward science in key areas for our society, such as net zero technology development, healthcare solutions and therapies, and resilient communications, relying on their ability to study material properties at the atomic and molecular scales. Recent studies have included investigation of materials for enhanced batteries, quantum computing and technologies, and novel drug delivery mechanisms, as well as fundamental science investigations. The ISPF partnership will enable new projects to be taken forward, developing capabilities for research facilities that benefit society overall.

Researchers and technical teams from ISIS, Diamond and PSI have already worked in close collaboration for many years. The ISPF funding will allow an extension of collaborations into new research areas, enabling the development of novel capabilities in both countries. Around 16 projects will be taken forward as part of the programme, with 16 early-career postdoctoral researchers employed to work between the facilities.

The first full collaboration meeting was held at RAL in November, when 50 scientists and technologists from ISIS, Diamond and PSI facilities gathered to discuss their projects and plan future activities.

Philip King, Associate Director at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source said, “This is a great opportunity for the UK and Switzerland to work together for mutual benefit, developing new capabilities for new science. Our partnership with PSI will see imaging techniques, detectors for neutrons and X-rays, sample environment equipment, software for data analysis and other areas supported and developed over coming years, along with science projects focusing on energy, quantum materials and polymer science.”

Adrian Mancuso, Physical Science Director at Diamond Light Source noted, “Scientific collaboration that puts solving global challenges at the core is fundamentally important. This partnership, bringing together international world-leading facilities, expertise, and capability-development, will help to accelerate brilliant light source science. By collaborating across techniques and technologies, as well as on topical science, we are also investing in capabilities for future collaborative work and investing in a global future.”

Christian Ruegg, PSI Director, announced, “This is a strong partnership which Switzerland is keen to develop further. The Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, SERI, has just announced additional Swiss funding to complement the UK ISPF award. We are

extremely pleased to be able to create an extension to the programme for additional science and technology benefits.”

The ISIS-Diamond-PSI programme was presented at a meeting of the UK-Swiss Science and Innovation Committee (Berne, 9 December 2024), attended by the UK and Swiss Science Ministers, as a strong example of UK-Swiss science and technology collaboration.