Relations between the Italian and UK science communities have been further strengthened after the president of the Italian National Research Council (CNR) visited the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) world-leading ISIS neutron and muon source.

President Maiani was at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Monday 2nd March) to inaugurate the newest instrument at the £145m ISIS Second Target Station. This second neutron source at ISIS started operating last year to allow scientists to expand their work into the key research areas of soft matter, advanced materials and bio-science.

“Professor Maiani’s visit recognises the importance of neutron scattering and the strength of Italian scientists in this field of research. We are delighted to show the achievements of Italian science at ISIS during this visit and celebrate the continuation of this long-standing partnership for the years to come,” said ISIS director, Andrew Taylor.

The new instrument, called NIMROD, allows liquids and glassy materials to be examined in minute detail and will contribute to the understanding of many current and emerging fields of technology.

President Maiani unveiled a plaque at a ceremony to celebrate the excellent working partnership between Italy, the UK and ISIS in neutron scattering.

“I’m very proud to inaugurate NIMROD. It represents the long and precious collaboration between the CNR and STFC. This instrument represents another important step in the field of matter, which will offer important information to the scientists who work on ISIS,” said Professor Maiani.

Italy scientists have had long connections with ISIS. The CNR first signed an agreement in 1985 to use and help develop ISIS and now around a hundred scientists from all over Italy make the most of the facility every year, in areas including engineering, cultural heritage and advanced materials.

The CNR is a major partner in the construction of the NIMROD​ instrument, contributing high-quality engineering components vital to its performance.