1st National Neutron Scattering School

The National Neutron Scattering School will be held September 6-12, 2025.
Applications will be due April 16 and can be submitted here.

Overview

The main purpose of NNS is to educate graduate students and postdoctoral researchers about the use of major neutron facilities. Lectures, presented by researchers from academia, industry, and national laboratories, include basic tutorials on the principles of scattering theory and the characteristics of the sources, as well as seminars on the application of scattering methods to a variety of scientific subjects. Participants will conduct short, in-person experiments and tutorials at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor, which provide hands-on experience for using neutron sources.

Target Audience

The target audience is graduate students attending universities in North America majoring in physics, chemistry, materials science, geosciences, engineering or related fields, as well as researchers with similar backgrounds who frequently use physical analysis techniques. Because NNS is highly competitive and can be oversubscribed, priority is given to students who are expected to use multiple neutron experimental techniques and who have already started the graduate research work.

The NNS School is open to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who meet the following requirements:

  • Enrollment or Employment: Must be affiliated with a North American college, university, or academic institution.
  • Research Focus: Must be pursuing experimental research or degrees where neutron techniques are integral.
  • Neutron Relevance: Must demonstrate a need for a variety of neutron experimental techniques in their work.

Application Process

The NNS is highly competitive and typically oversubscribed. To apply to the school:

  1. Talk with your advisor about the application.
  2. Evaluation letters from the advisor and two additional references are required. The application system will ask for the referrers' information and automatically send out requests. Applications without a letter from the advisor will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to follow up with the referrers and make sure the letters are submitted prior to the deadline.
  3. Read the application instructions and submit your application here.

School Coordinators: Michelle Dolgos, Adam Aczel, Alicia Manjón Sanz, Bianca Haberl, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Past National Schools on Neutron and X-ray Scattering:
View the article: Students get hands-on learning at national labs through DOE’s 26th National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering

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