ESS Organisation

Our vision is to build and operate the world’s most powerful accelerator-based neutron source, enabling scientific breakthroughs in research related to materials, energy, health and the environment, addressing some of the most important societal challenges of our time.

To do this, we commit to deliver ESS as a facility that:

• Is built safely, on time and on budget
• Produces research outputs that are best-in-class both in terms of scientific quality and in terms of socioeconomic impact
• Supports and develops its user community, fosters a scientific culture of excellence and acts as an international scientific hub
• Operates safely, efficiently and economically, and responds to the needs of its stakeholders, its host states and member states
• Develops innovative ways of working, new technologies, and upgrades to capabilities needed to remain at the cutting edge

Our commitment to Impact, Performance, and Thoughtful Collaboration is reflected in the following fundamentals, which guide every decision we make, every challenge we tackle, and every opportunity we pursue.

Creating Impact 

We strive to be the world’s leading institution for neutron-based research, driving advancements that benefit science, industry, and society. Our impact is built on:

• Scientific Discovery – Expanding the frontiers of knowledge to better understand the world.

• Industrial and Economic Competitiveness – Enabling industries to innovate responsibly through our research, improving materials and processes.

• Technological Leadership – Developing cutting-edge methods and technologies to ensure ESS remains at the forefront of scientific excellence.

• Sustainability – Minimising our environmental footprint while addressing global challenges through responsible and innovative practices.

Through Performance 

To maximise our impact, we uphold the highest standards of performance, ensuring efficiency, integrity, and continuous improvement in everything we do:

• User-Centric Approach – Providing world-class support and facilities to meet and anticipate the needs of our users.

• Excellence and Efficiency – Mastering our techniques and streamlining processes to enhance collective output.

• Innovation and Resilience – Embracing change with agility, fostering creativity, and solving complex problems.

• International Networks – Engaging with Europe's research ecosystem to share resources, expand opportunities, and drive collective progress.

• Ethics and Integrity – Upholding the highest standards of responsibility in research, operations, and stakeholder interactions.

We are accountable for delivering the highest standards of performance with the public resources entrusted to us, ensuring a stable, long-term environment where ESS can thrive.

Built on Thoughtful Collaboration 

Collaboration is essential to our success. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, trust, and shared responsibility—where we not only respect but genuinely care for one another:

• Teamwork – Working together across disciplines, holding ourselves accountable, and supporting one another.

• Safety and Well-being – Prioritising the physical and mental health of employees and users.

• Inclusivity and Equity – Creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can contribute meaningfully.

• External Partnerships – Building strong relationships with academia, industry, and research organisations to amplify our impact.

• Community Engagement – Connecting with local and global communities to share knowledge and demonstrate the value of ESS’s mission.

We build trust by empowering individuals and teams to take ownership, fostering a collaborative culture.