Science Support Systems

The Scientific Activities Division will provide ESS Science Support Systems that include sample environment equipment, scientific laboratories and a future user office.

A prerequisite for a successful neutron experiment is obtaining the optimal sample, but also characterising and conditioning it properly before and during the experiment.

This calls for well-equipped laboratories for sample production, handling, conditioning, characterisation and storage in the immediate vicinity of the instruments. Equally important is the possibility to manipulate the experimental conditions of the sample during the neutron investigation. A central support function with sample environment equipment is required to reliably and safely provide the physical parameters during the neutron experiment.

Science Support Systems at ESS will provide coherent scientific service and a collaborative environment that makes neutrons more accessible, powerful and efficient to users from diverse scientific fields.

Science Support Systems encompasses the following seven platforms, covering instrument sample environment and support laboratories for the various scientific disciplines as well as scientific coordination and user support.

In addition to the collaborations within the platforms above, ESS is an institutional member of the International Society for Sample Environment 

To achieve the goals of the ESS Scientific Activities Division, we have established independent advisory bodies known as Scientific and Technical Advisory Panels (STAPs) for Sample Environment and Users & Samples.

Sample Environment

The Sample Environment STAP focuses on the sample environment needs from the various scientific communities and how these will be addressed in a balanced and timely fashion.

  • Elizabeth Blackburn (Chair)
    Birmingham University
    UK
  • Marek Bartkowiak
    Paul Scherrer Institute
    Switzerland
  • Andrew Boothroyd
    Oxford University
    UK
  • Andy Church
    STFC
    UK
  • Stuart Clarke
    Cambridge University
    UK
  • Giovanna Fragneto
    Institut Laue-Langevin
    France
  • Steve Hall
    Lund University
    Sweden
  • Yamali Hernandez
    NIST
    USA
  • Stefan Klotz
    CNRS
    France
  • Michael Meissner
    Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
    Germany
Users & Samples

The Users & Samples STAP focuses on user and sample management, including the ESS user office, sample preparation facilities and user laboratories.

  • Michelle Everett (Chair)
    ORNL-Spallation Neutron Source
    USA
  • Peter Holden
    ANSTO
    Australia
  • David Hess
    Institut Laue-Langevin
    France
  • Marek Bartkowiak
    Paul Scherrer Institute
    Switzerland
  • Karen Edler
    Bath University
    UK
  • Kim Lefmann
    UCPH-Niels Bohr Institute
    Denmark
  • Ron Smith
    STFC
    UK
  • Giovanna Cicognani
    Institut Laue-Langevin
    France