Message from the Chair

With neutrons just around the corner and the first users anticipated as early as the Fall of 2006, the SNS will be the brightest neutron source in the world. The SNS/HFIR user group (SHUG) will take on its most important role at this time with the intent to mediate and facilitate neutron users and bring regular updates of the facility events. The SNS with its unprecedented neutron flux and state of the art instrumentation will enable scientists and engineers around the world reach new dimensions in their scientific explorations. Combined with the high flux of HFIR and with its new capabilities with the installation of the cold source, ORNL will serve as a world-class neutron facility. I can envision the user community taking great advantage of the new possibilities. At the same time, given the economical climate, it is very important to be proactive in bringing new users through collaborations and joint programs and ensuring that adequate funding is present to maintain and run the facilities by responding to the calls for letters and signatures.

I, as chair of SHUG, and my fellow executive committee members are eager to serve the neutron community. Our year has started with several major activities that include lobbying and trips to DC, the NUFO meeting at Fermi Lab, gearing up for comprehensive user survey reviews, interacting with JINS, and undertaking major modifications of our website to enhance the user interface. We will soon be able to welcome your comments at our website. On our part, we will keep you informed of events taking place at SNS and HFIR and in the future JINS, as we post our minutes from our conference calls and reports from other special meetings. At the ACNS this summer in Chicago, join us for a panel discussion where you can provide your input to the development of the user programs, experimental procedures and visiting policies. SHUG is in close contact with the user office and wants the input from universities, industries, laboratories and our international collaborators. Happy neutrons!

Despina Louca, SHUG Chair