Direct aid of 250,000 euros to the polymers and Soft Matter group of CFM-MPC for strengthening research into particle acceleration and neutronics

The Basque Government strengthens the investigation in acceleration of particles and neutronics

The Basque Government recently  approved, at the proposal of the Minister of Education, the granting of a direct aid of 250,000 euros to the polymers and Soft Matter group of CFM-MPC, aimed at fulfilling the objective of strengthening research in particle acceleration and neutron.

According to the Basque Government, it is worth highlighting the work carried out by the polymers and Soft Matter group of CFM, being an international reference in the field of neutron techniques applied to the study of polymers and soft condensed matter and, currently, the focus of the greatest scientific activity with neutron techniques in the Basque Country.

Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) at the Xray lab at CFM

In this sense, the group has been a pioneer at state level in the performance of neutron experiments. Neutron dispersion measurements are carried out in large installations “generally of an international nature” and for a limited period of time. The preparation of the experiments to be carried out and the prior implementation of measures using complementary techniques in the local laboratories are therefore crucial to optimizing neutron measurements and facilitating the success of the experiments. The aid granted will enable the group’s laboratory in Donostia- San Sebastian to develop complementary techniques for the study of so-called soft condensed matter, such as low angle X-ray diffraction (SAXS) and light scattering.

As an example of its international prestige and a recognition on the experience of the

Polymers and Soft Matter group of CFM

group, the Walter Hälg Award of the European Neutron Scattering Association 2017 (this award is given every two years) was given to its leader, UPV/EHU Professor Juan Colmenero.