Frikkie de Beer

Frikkie de Beer holds a PhD in Applied Sciences and is a South African expert on X-ray and specifically neutron tomography research. He is being employed for 30 years by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Ltd. (Necsa) where he is a Chief Scientist and Scientific Leader in the radiography/tomography section with an own research focus in application of tomography in palaeosciences and research on fuel cells. He initiated the neutron tomography facility in 2003, which is currently under upgrade at the SAFARI-1 research reactor, as well as the establishment of a complementary micro-focus XCT facility at Necsa. In BrightnESS², Frikkie is involved in Work Package 2, especially in terms of collaboration building and outreach activities to build and strengthen the South African neutron science community.

- I have been working with neutrons for research at Necsa for past 30 years and specifically at the radiography/tomography beam line facility at the SAFARI-1 Research reactor. As SAFARI-1 is 53 years old, and the beam lines are axial to the reactor core, only fast and thermal neutron radiography/tomography can be performed. My involvement in BrightnESS² will thus expand the neutron imaging research opportunities for South African researchers as only one radiography beam line at SAFARI-1 is dedicated to radiography/tomography. Through my connection with the ESS it is envisaged that South African researchers, especially those in the cultural heritage studies, will be inspired to make use of the powerful cold neutron imaging beams at ESS.

My biggest challenge will be to ensure that relevant experience of Necsa is transferred to ESS and vice versa for the success of the different outreach activities towards the South African science community. The ultimate goal is awareness within the South African science community of neutrons as powerful analytical probe and the increase utilisation of neutron beam lines at Necsa but also at ESS to solve scientific questions.

BrightnESS² is the spring board of raising awareness about ESS but also that of the neutron beam lines in South Africa for more researchers to become neutron beam line users to solve scientific questions where other penetrating radiation analytical tools such as X-rays fail.

Through BrightnESS² I have the opportunity to take part in a unique research infrastructure development thus securing South African competence and leadership in this field through scientific cooperation.