From 6–10 July, the International Conference on Neutron Scattering (ICNS 2025) brought together nearly 800 scientists from the global neutron science community in Denmark and Sweden – the two ESS host countries – and included an inspiring final day at ESS. ICNS 2025 offered a unique opportunity for ESS to showcase its progress, engage directly with future users, and provide a glimpse into the bright future of neutron science in Europe.
ICNS 2025, the leading international conference for scientists using neutrons as a tool for scientific research and development, kicked off on 6 July and continued with four intense days of keynote talks, plenary and parallel sessions, poster presentations, symposia, sponsor exhibits and lively networking in Copenhagen, Denmark and Lund, Sweden.
ESS featured prominently throughout the conference, with contributions on instrument development, data management, and facility updates – highlighting ESS’s strong position in the European neutron landscape and its upcoming readiness for science.
For Helmut Schober, ESS Director General, “The International Conference on Neutron Scattering showcased the robust health of the field and the exciting future opportunities emerging from advances in facilities and techniques. In this context, ESS stands out as one of the most exciting projects, so it was no surprise that colleagues from all around the world were eager to visit us. The timing couldn't have been better. With construction nearing completion and scientific operations planned to begin within the next two years, we were ideally positioned to offer visitors an up-close look at our instruments, allowing them to appreciate the sophisticated design and functionality that we hope will make their future scientific endeavours successful.”
Alongside other major facilities around the world, ESS presented its vision, commissioning progress, and pioneering instruments. In collaboration with sister neutron facility Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), ESS ran a daily scientific quiz that attracted enthusiastic participants. Two mini symposia were hosted and co-hosted by ESS, including one discussing the tools and techniques needed to transition from construction to scientific operation.
A grand finale at ESS
On the final day of ICNS2025 around 550 participants, with the support of 200 ESS volunteers, visited ESS, focusing on the 15 instruments under construction and
commissioning. The visit gave future users first-hand experience of what lies ahead and demonstrated ESS’ developing readiness for operations and its commitment to supporting high-impact science through world-class instruments, scientist support and collaboration.
With ESS getting ready, the future of neutron science is bright - and ICNS 2025 showed that the community is ready and eager to be part of it.
