This visit is part of an initiative to harness the capabilities of ISIS for the advancement of Brazilian and UK materials research and sits in the wider context of the opportunities offered by the launch of the Multipurpose Brazilian Reactor (RMB) project in Iperó (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and an award of funding from the UK International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) in 2023.

Brazil currently operates four research reactors, the most powerful of which is a 5 MW MTR-type reactor from the late 1950s. Due to its limited neutron beam flux, this reactor offers only restricted scattering capabilities, featuring just a high-resolution diffractometer and an imaging system. To overcome these constraints, Brazil is constructing the Multipurpose Brazilian Reactor (RMB), a state-of-the-art 30 MW facility equipped with a cold neutron source and a dedicated neutron beam laboratory.

The RMB project is now underway, with the construction already in progress. The neutron scattering laboratory is being developed alongside this, which includes forming the teams, designing the neutron guide hall and the assembly of its first instrument: a high-resolution powder diffractometer.

Dr Frederico Genezini, Head of the Research Reactor Centre, and Research Scientists Dr Luiz Paulo de Oliveira and Dr Alexandre Souza came to ISIS for a week for technical discussions around detector technology and electronics, as well as a tour of the facility. Dr Genezini also presented to ISIS staff, giving an update on the RMB project. The visit was hosted by Leide Cavalcanti and supported by staff from scientific and technical groups across ISIS.

The UK International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) is providing funds to enable the development of Brazilian use of ISIS, and to foster the collaboration between ISIS and Brazilian researchers. This funding, for the period 2023-27, has already supported a series of webinars and workshops, and a neutron training course in Brazil in 2024.

Aligning with this ongoing partnership, this particular visit to ISIS was supported by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT) and Brazilian Finep Program to develop the work into the construction of RMB.

“The timing of the ISIS-ISPF funding has coincided well with the recent Brazilian boost in their project for constructing the RMB," says Leide. “It is a perfect time for collaboration!"