The ILL officially enters a new era

The completion of the ILL Endurance upgrade programme was officially celebrated yesterday, 27 November 2024, in the presence of representatives of the ILL Associate Countries – France, Germany and the United Kingdom –  and of several ILL Scientific Member Countries, European neutron facilities and key partner institutions.
 

“The completion of Endurance places ILL in the strongest position it has ever been, and sets us up to capitalise on the new capabilities by delivering high-impact science to address the highest priorities in societal challenges for the coming decade,” said ILL Science and Associate Director Jacques Jestin. For over 50 years, the ILL has been the world’s leading facility for neutron science, and has set the gold standard for running a scientific user facility. The completion of the Endurance Programme marks the conclusion of more than two decades of continuous investment. Within the last seven years, Endurance has delivered 30 new and upgraded instruments and infrastructures, with a total investment of around 50 M€.

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The celebration was also the official inauguration of the resulting suite of 43 state-of-the-art neutron instruments which is unique in the world. After a welcome address by ILL director Ken Andersen, the Endurance Programme was presented by Technical and Associate Director Andreas Meyer. Presentations by ILL scientists on highlights of Endurance followed, as well as a visit to some of the new and upgraded instruments. A toast and a final address by ILL’s Science Director concluded the session.

Andreas Meyer highlighted that “Our scientific users will come to these facilities to make pioneering discoveries in fields such as novel batteries, advanced manufacturing, quantum materials, and the fight against infectious diseases.” The Endurance Programme has delivered unprecedented capabilities across a range of techniques such as neutron imaging, neutron polarisation analysis, sample environments, as well as new data treatment software. In Andreas Meyer’s words, “Modernised support instruments and facilities for neutron technology R&D will continue to deliver groundbreaking instrumentation, ensuring that our instrument suite remains at the cutting edge, while benefiting other European neutron facilities.

“With the completion of the Endurance programme, the ILL has consolidated its position as a world-unique and state-of-the-art facility for neutron science in the decade to come” concludes ILL director Ken Andersen.