Hjelm Speaks at Workshop on Scientific Need of Combined Neutrons and X-rays
Hjelm Speaks at Workshop on Scientific Need of Combined Neutrons and X-rays
Rex P. Hjelm, a scientist with the New Mexico Consortium (NMC), was recently invited to participate in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Workshop on the Scientific Need for Combined Neutrons and X-rays. The workshop was held June 1–4, 2022, in San Jose, California, and brought together leading researchers, facility scientists, and experts from across the scientific community to discuss the future of neutron and X-ray science.
Hjelm was invited as a subject matter expert in compact neutron and X-ray sources. During the workshop, he delivered a presentation and chaired discussions focused on the scientific need for neutrons and X-rays in soft matter research, as well as the design of compact small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) instruments. These topics are of growing importance as researchers seek new approaches to provide broader access to advanced characterization tools while supporting the next generation of scientific discovery.
As a result of his contributions to the workshop, Hjelm is currently preparing a narrative for an NSF report that will summarize findings and recommendations related to these two areas. The report will help inform future planning and investment decisions regarding neutron and X-ray research infrastructure in the United States.
The NSF workshop provided participants with a comprehensive overview of existing scientific infrastructure and explored future needs and opportunities over the next 15 years. Discussions included the current state and future direction of neutron research facilities in Europe, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), and concepts for next-generation facility design. Participants also examined experiences and lessons learned from combined neutron and X-ray scattering studies, which increasingly provide complementary insights into complex scientific problems.
Additional presentations focused on advances in X-ray infrastructure and imaging technologies, as well as emerging large-scale research facilities that combine photon, ion, and neutron production using petawatt laser systems in Europe. Other topics addressed the importance of scientific outreach and dissemination to universities and industry, diversity initiatives at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and current gaps in instrumentation that may limit future scientific opportunities.
By bringing together experts from a wide range of disciplines, the workshop provided an important forum for evaluating the future of neutron and X-ray science and identifying priorities for the research community. Hjelm’s participation highlights both his expertise in neutron scattering instrumentation and the New Mexico Consortium’s ongoing contributions to advancing scientific research infrastructure.
The New Mexico Consortium extends its appreciation to the U.S. National Science Foundation for sponsoring the workshop through Grant CHE-2219790.