Tirelessly for neutrons

“When it comes to science, I'm never tired,” said Prof. Dr. Tommy Nylander (Lund University), chair of the User Committee, quoting physicist Erich Sackmann (1934–2024), a pioneer of neutron research in biophysics. The quote was emblematic of the mood at the User Meeting. “I am very optimistic that the FRM II will soon be back in operation, not least thanks to the good work of the management, which has mastered technical and bureaucratic challenges,” said the representative of the User Committee.

Progress during the break

At the start of the meeting, MLZ directors Prof. Christian Pfleiderer from TUM and Prof. Martin Müller from the Helmholtz Center Hereon provided information on the current status of the FRM II and news from the MLZ. The focus was on the production of the central channel. After intensive development work, the final test for the start of production is now pending, as Christian Pfleiderer reported.

The engineers, technicians, and researchers at FRM II and MLZ used the involuntary break in operations to carry out extensive infrastructure measures. For example, the East Neutron Guide Hall was completed, in which state-of-the-art scientific instruments were installed. The researchers used complementary measurement methods at FRM II, supported measurement campaigns at international neutron sources, and provided their expertise to visiting researchers. In addition, they further developed the instruments technically and made important progress in converting to low-enriched nuclear fuel. Martin Müller supplemented the overview with an update on the strategic development programs and networks in which the MLZ is active.

New MLZ Director from 2026

The 2025 User Meeting also marked Martin Müller's last official appearance as MLZ Director, whose term of office ends after five years. From 2026, Prof. Dr. Stephan Förster from MLZ partner Forschungszentrum Jülich will take over the position. Stephan Förster already held this role from 2018 to 2020. Christian Pfleiderer expressly thanked Martin Müller for his commitment. A highlight of the first day of the conference was the presentation of this year's MLZ Prize to Prof. Dr. Stephan Paul (TUM) for his pioneering work in researching questions of particle physics with neutrons.

The user perspective

Dr. Michael Schulz, Deputy Scientific Director at FRM II and member of the elected committee, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Committee for Research with Neutrons (KFN) and KFN Chair Prof. Dr. Mirijam Zobel. He pointed out that the next committee will be elected in spring 2026. According to Michael Schulz, the main objectives for the coming year will be to better consolidate user needs and raise awareness of neutron research among politicians and the general public.

From quantum phenomena to medical implants

In parallel sessions, researchers presented their latest findings on a wide range of topics – from materials science, polymers, and proteins to particle physics and quantum phenomena.

The two keynote speeches were particular highlights of the user meeting: Dr. Hanna Barriga from KTH Stockholm, Sweden, explained the structure and functions of lipid nanoparticles in medicine, for example for applications in medical implants. In the second keynote speech, Dr. Jasper Landman from Wageningen University in the Netherlands presented the latest findings on the stabilization of protein structures in food research, with applications such as vegan cappuccino foam.

Focus on the restart

On the second day, MLZ researchers reported on how they are preparing for the restart in areas such as the sample environment, data management, and scientific instruments. The meeting was rounded off with a poster session featuring 93 posters, which provided an opportunity for discussion and personal conversations.

Moving forward together

The MLZ User Meeting 2025 showed a community that is united in looking ahead despite the ongoing shutdown. Or as Christian Pfleiderer put it: “We are doing everything we can to get the FRM II restarted as quickly as possible and to make neutrons available again to our 1,200 guest scientists for their research.”