International ESS Conference

ESS-Conference

European Spallation Source: Europe is contending for knowledge lead
– International race for the world’s best neutron source
– Quantum leap in materials research
– Decision in favour of Bonn as the presentation site

Leading scientists and facilities from 11 European nations go on the offensive to defend Europe`s lead in neutron research. On 16 and 17 May 2002 they are holding an international conference under the title „ESS – European Source of Science“ in order to illustrate the urgent need for action concerning the construction of a powerful, entirely novel neutron source. The active efforts of the Research Center Jülich as one of the major partners in ESS have led to this congress taking place in Bonn.

The aim of the congress is to present the current state of planning for the „European Spallation Source“ (ESS) to the decision-makers from science, politics and industry and to show them the advantages which the 1.5 billion € project will provide for basic research. The ESS large-scale research device will permit neutron researchers from all over Europe to penetrate even more deeply into matter. The findings obtained are linked to the hope of achieving quantum leaps in nanotechnology, the life sciences and the development of new materials, since the best products arise where the deepest knowledge about the structure of matter is available.

The ESS is a next-generation neutron source enabling experiments of a completely new quality and precision. In the USA and Japan, the urgency of such a large-scale research device has been recognised and construction has already started. A rapid decision is necessary to maintain Europe`s so far unchallenged top position in neutron research. The ESS will be operated as a generally accessible „user facility“ for many thousands of scientists from many fields. If the ESS will start to be operational by 2010, it will be the world’s most efficient neutron source.