Excellent research for the conversion

Bruno Baumeister, project leader FRM II LEU conversion, and Christian Reiter, reactor physicist at FRM II and head of the Center for Nuclear Safety at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), receive one of the two KFN Instrumentation Prizes 2024, as they have jointly initiated the conversion of the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz research neutron source (FRM II) to fuel of low enrichment uranium while maintaining its scientific performance. A challenging task, the solution is attracting great interest worldwide due to its transferability to other research reactors, according to the KFN's justification for the award. 

“King of simulation” and major EU funding programs

Laudator Dr. Axel Pichlmaier, Technical Director of the FRM II, admits in his laudatory speech: “Without Mr. Baumeister and Mr. Reiter, the conversion of the FRM II to a low-enrichment fuel would hardly be conceivable.” And he continues: “Mr. Baumeister has worked on the four major European funding programs for the development of high-density uranium fuels with increasing responsibility. Mr. Reiter is the “king of simulation”. He confidently pulls out all the stops of what is possible today and develops ... the complete three-dimensional calculation of reactor cores.” 

Effects far beyond the FRM II

The KFN further explains the reasons for the award: “The FRM II is considered particularly difficult to retrofit worldwide. Together, Mr. Baumeister and Mr. Reiter have shown the way forward. Their R & D work impacts far beyond the FRM II.”

Other award winners from France and Jülich

Around 200 researchers met from 16-18 September 2024 at the German Neutron Scattering Conference 2024 in Aachen, organized by the Committee Research with Neutrons (KFN), Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University. The focus is on using neutrons for a wide range of issues, from energy materials and the effects of medicines to the universe's origin. In addition to Baumeister and Reiter, the KFN honored two other young scientists. The Wolfram-Prandl Prize for Young Scientists went to Dr. Leonardo Chiappisi (Institut Laue-Langevin, ILL, France) for his research on polymer-based soft matter. Dr. Paul Zakalek (Forschungszentrum Jülich) received the second prize for instrumentation.

Variety of neutron experiments

Scattering experiments with neutrons can answer questions that are difficult to answer with other methods, for example, on the magnetic properties of matter, the internal properties of solid workpieces or sensitive cultural assets, or the mode of action of drugs. In addition, radioisotopes can be used to make tumors visible and treat them gently. 

Neutron scattering conference brings experts together

The German Neutron Scattering Conference, therefore, brings together experts and users as well as researchers from various disciplines from Germany, Europe, and the rest of the world. A particular focus of the conference is the further development of existing and new types of neutron sources, which is being promoted not only in Germany but all over the world due to the importance of research with neutrons. 

Prizes endowed with 2500 euros

The Research with Neutrons Committee represents scientists who work with neutrons or who are closely associated with research using neutrons. The KFN offers a wide range of information for researchers and the interested public on its website www.neutronenforschung.de. The KFN prizes are funded in equal parts by the neutron centers Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, European Spallation Source in Lund, Sweden, Research Neutron Source FRM II, Jülich Centre for Neutron Science and Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL). They are endowed with 2500 euros. 

Original text: Dr. Karin Griewatsch, KFN