JCNS uses neutrons as probes for research into soft and condensed matter systems, life science and energy materials. Apart from their role in science, neutrons make an important contribution to industry and society (MLZ Societal Impact Report 2019), with applications in materials development, energy storage systems, and also in research into SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
JCNS as a user platform has the mission "to operate the best instruments at the best neutron sources” under a unified strategy.
JCNS operates instruments at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) at the research reactor FRM II, in Garching, Germany, and at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France - the research reactor with the highest flux. Beam time is offered to national and international users. Moreover, JCNS builds instruments for the future leading source, the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, and is developing a future high-brilliance accelerator-driven neutron source, HBS.
Furthermore, JCNS is a partner in the League of advanced European Neutron Sources (LENS) and a member of the European Low Energy accelerator-based Neutron facilities Association (ELENA).
JCNS has laboratories and complementary methods for sample preparation and characterization. Customized data analysis and simulation software for neutron scattering are developed in-house. The Neutron SimLab at JCNS is the central department that aims at implementing the Helmholtz digitization strategy by coordinating all activities and collaborations regarding digital methods, data management and analysis, software development, etc.