Next South African neutron scattering mini-symposium set for August 25

Aug 18, 2020
Development of the BrightnESS²-supported South African position paper on neutron science continues in a series of mini-symposia covering the broad range of scientific fields that can benefit from neutron scattering.

PRETORIA—As part of a series of mini-symposia, Necsa and iThemba LABS have announced that their Chemistry Thrust Mini-Symposium will take place from 10:00-12:00 on 25 August 2020. The meeting, coordinated by Catharine Esterhuysen of Stellenbosch University, is open to all and will be conducted via Zoom: 

https://zoom.us/j/92475908339

This virtual workshop will include presentations by experienced users of neutron facilities, as well as short presentations by a variety of researchers to explore the possibilities for how South African scientists can benefit from access to neutron beamtime at Necsa and iThemba LABS, as well as the world's next global flagship neutron science facility, the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Sweden. The mini-symposium will serve to be informative to expert and non-expert users to facilitate active participation.

Instrument scientists from ESS will participate in the workshop to bring their expert perspective to the discussion and to highlight potential niche applications in the field.

    The scene for the discussions will be set with the following presentations:

    Time

    Topic

    Speaker

    10:00 – 10:30

    Neutron scattering in industry

    Esna du Plessis (SASOL)

    10:30 – 10:45

    Chemistry and material science using neutrons

    Monika Hartl (ESS)

    10:45 – 10:55

    Neutron powder diffraction facility at SAFARI-1

    Andrew Venter (Necsa)

    10:55 – 11:20

    Perspectives on how access to neutron techniques at SAFARI-1 and iThemba LABS, as well as ESS could benefit research

    Various speakers

    11:20 – 12:00

    Discussion and feedback

    Catharine Esterhuysen (SU)

     

    Thrust Coordinators Mini-Symposia Schedule

August 5: Engineering

August 25: Crystallography (organic chemistry)

September 1: Geosciences

September 4: Palaeontology & Heritage Conservation

September 7: Magnetism

September 15: Energy Storage and Conversion Materials

September 23: Crystallography (inorganic chemistry)

September 28: Nano-materials

TBA: Life Sciences and Biology

TBA: Catalysis
    Partners: 
    ESS, iThemba LABS, Necsa