Author: Grace Causer

ANBUG continues to deliver high-quality online seminars on neutron technologies through the ANBUG Town Hall events. Our next exciting topic is Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). We are pleased to invite Dr. Katy Wood from the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS) to deliver a lecture on this subject. She will cover the unique strengths of SANS, the prerequisites for successful experiments, and the inherent challenges in data interpretation.

The lecture will take place on July 26^th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am AEST. Everyone interested in this topic is welcome to join.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://deakin.zoom.us/j/86590620627?pwd=ky8zGncmn6bXN3AgnJhbZ4BPau1kev.1

Meeting ID: 865 9062 0627
Password: 37949939

Abstract:

This talk will explore the unique strengths of Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), the prerequisites for successful experiments, and the inherent challenges in data interpretation. A key focus will be the state-of-the-art SANS instrumentation at ANSTO, including recent upgrades to the Quokka instrument. I will cover the instrumental capabilities, sample environments, and the distinct advantages of neutrons over X-rays for certain systems. Real-world case studies will illustrate the power of SANS across diverse research areas, such as metals characterization, lipid self-assembly, and structural studies of protein complexes. These examples underscore SANS’ versatility in addressing compelling scientific questions. While celebrating its “bright spots”, we will also confront the “blind spots” and limitations of SANS. This balanced discussion will guide attendees in making informed decisions about when to leverage SANS.

The small angle scattering (SAS) teams from the Australian Synchrotron (AS) and the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS) are pleased to announce their 4th SAS Workshop which will run from 17th to the 19th April at the Australian Synchrotron, Clayton.  The workshop will be limited to 20 on-site participants, with hybrid sessions offered for those who do not attend in person. Expressions of interest are now open, with applications closing on the 26th February 2024.

The 2023 ANBUG Awards were announced on the 28^th November 2023 at the ANSTO User Meeting held in Hurstville. Congratulations to the awardees:

Career Award: Prof. Garry McIntrye from ANSTO (retired) was recognised for sustained contributions to condensed-matter physics throughout his career using neutron scattering techniques.

Neutron Award: A/Prof. Stuart Prescott from the University of New South Wales was recognised for his outstanding research in neutron science and leadership promoting the Australian neutron scattering community.

Young Scientist Award: Dr. Lu (Daniel) Jiang from Deakin University was recognised for his outstanding research utilising neutron scattering within 10 years of PhD conferral.

Technical Award: Dr. Frank Darmann from ANSTO was recognised for outstanding service contributing to technical aspects of neutron scattering.

Outstanding PhD Prize: Dr. Zhijun (Helen) Qiu from the University of Wollongong was recognised for her outstanding PhD thesis using neutron scattering techniques.

ANBUG continues to collaborate with ACNS, ANSTO, to deliver high-quality online lectures on neutron technologies, covering a broad range of research areas. We are pleased to invite Dr. Joseph Bevitt from ACNS to give a lecture on the neutron imaging technique, including the facility, Dingo, at the ACNS and its major applications. The lecture will be on November 9th from 11:00 to 12:00, AEDT. Everyone interested in this field is welcome.

ANSTO is pleased to be hosting the ANSTO User Meeting – AUM2023 in person at the Southern Sydney Event Centre in Hurstville from 27th – 29th November . The meeting will provide a unique opportunity for researchers who have accessed ANSTO’s research infrastructure and capabilities in the last year to showcase their research and outcomes.  It is also an opportunity for prospective users to hear about the unique capabilities of ANSTO’s research infrastructure, which comprises a suite of neutron beam instruments in Sydney and synchrotron beamlines in Melbourne as well as a range of other capabilities for scientific investigations including deuterated products, radiation measurements, use of natural and radioactive isotopes, radiochemistry, materials characterisation, accelerator mass spectrometry and ion beam analysis amongst others.

The call for abstracts is now open.

Nominations are now open for the 2023 ANBUG Awards. ANBUG recognises the achievements of our members annually in the following areas: Career award, Neutron Award, Young Scientist Award, Technical Award and Outstanding PhD Prize.

Please refer to the nomination form and forward completed applications to the ANBUG Secretary (secretary@anbug.net) by 5pm 20th October 2023. 

The abstract submission deadline for the IUCr is fast approaching. Please submit your abstracts prior to the 21st February at the conference website https://iucr2023.org.