The development of international cooperation in neutron research, the use of modern scientific infrastructure to solve fundamental and applied problems, and the prospects for expanding interaction between the Institute of Nuclear Physics and the Institut Laue-Langevin became the central topic of dialogue between the Kazakhstani and French sides, which took place during a visit to Grenoble, France.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy, Almassadam Satkaliyev, a delegation from the Institute of Nuclear Physics led by the Director General Sayabek Sakhiyev, and the management team of the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), headed by the Director General Ken Andersen. The discussion focused on the development of neutron science and the formation of sustainable formats for international scientific partnerships.
The Institut Laue-Langevin is one of the world's leading neutron research centers, with an annual budget of over €100 million and is jointly managed by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. ILL's user-facing model provides the international scientific community with access to a unique instrumental base, with approximately 20% of its research focused on industrial needs.
During the meeting, the Institute of Nuclear Physics presented its key research areas. Adilzhan Serikov, Director of INP Strategy and Sustainability Development Department, spoke about the Institute's activities and the development of neutron research at the WWR-K research reactor. Kylyshbek Turlybekuly, Head of the Ultracold Neutron Physics Research Department, presented the current status and plans for the project to create an ultracold neutron source at the WWR-K reactor.
The introduction to ILL's scientific programs was complemented by a visit to the institute's research infrastructure, including a high-flux reactor with a capacity of up to 58 MW and modern high-precision neutron instruments, including the PF2 source of very cold and ultracold neutrons.
The dialogue resulted in an agreement to hold an introductory seminar at the Institute of Nuclear Physics from May 25–29, with the participation of ILL experts. The seminar will focus on the capabilities of the neutron infrastructure and the prospects for its use by Kazakhstan's scientific and industrial communities, as well as a discussion on future cooperation forms.
