Advancing neutron science training at the heart of Europe
ILL is currently involved in 17 EU-funded projects, which will increase to 18 as of 1 March 2025. Among these, this article will focus on three current Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) EU-funded initiatives that demonstrate ILL's commitment to advancing neutron research and training the next generation of scientists through collaborative interdisciplinary projects.
AMBER Project
Coordinated by the LINXS Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-Ray Science, the AMBER (Advanced Multiscale Biological Imaging with European Research Infrastructures) project is a pioneering initiative in Europe. It brings together four research centres and three Large Scale Research Infrastructures (LSRIs), including a leading European light source and two neutron sources. The project aims to address scientific and sectoral gaps in biological imaging across various organizational levels, from molecular to organismal. AMBER offers exceptional research, training, and career opportunities for a total of 42 postdoctoral researchers, recruited over three enrollment calls with 14 fellowships each.
As part of the current call, the ILL is offereing three 3-year research fellowships, with applications closing on 24 February 2025:
- Advancing Biomacromolecular Research: Combined SAXS and SANS Techniques for Unprecedented Structural Insights into Solubilized Membrane Protein Complexes
- Pioneering High-Resolution Neutron and X-ray Imaging of Biomaterials at ILL's NeXT Facility
- Unveiling Protein-Carbohydrate Interactions: Neutron Crystallography and Biomedical Applications at ILL
NEXTSTEP Project
Led by the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), the NEXTSTEP (Neutrons, Electrons, and X-rays Serving Transition towards a Sustainable Environment Doctoral Programme) brings together complementary analytical techniques available at cutting-edge European Research Infrastructures: ESRF, ILL, and e-DREAM, with EMBL as an associate partner. The programme focuses on sustainability and innovation challenges, aligning with the European Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals. Over two years, NEXTSTEP will offer 36 PhD positions, with 15 allocated to ILL.
The first call for PhD candidates opens on 3 March 2025.
CLIMB Project
Coordinated by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), the CLIMB (Complex Lipid Membranes for Science and Technology) doctoral network aims to leverage fundamental research on cell membranes to enhance the performance of lipid-based drug carriers and membrane-active drugs. By providing advanced training in lipid systems reconstitution, characterization, and industrial application, CLIMB seeks to empower 12 early-stage researchers to tackle pressing issues in sustainable bio-inspired materials, antimicrobial resistance, and the development of next-generation drug carriers.
The project will fund one PhD position in biochemistry at ILL, with applications starting in spring 2025.