Modern science possesses a variety of methods to investigate the structure and dynamics of materials. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Neutrons have a number of unique advantages, including amongst others their high penetrative power and sensitivity to magnetic fields. These make them an indispensible tool for the study of matter. Without neutrons the scientific community would simply be blind to some of the phenomena in the microcosmos.
It is the outstanding observation capacities of neutrons that justify the investment being made into neutron facilities. Capital investment in the ILL amounts to almost 2 billion euros; the Institute has an annual budget of about €100m.