SwedNess Marks a Decade of Impact with 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
Gothenburg, 28–29 May 2026 — Researchers, alumni, funding agencies, and key stakeholders gathered at Grand Curiosa in Gothenburg to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of SwedNess, the Swedish Graduate School in Neutron Scattering. The two-day event highlighted a decade of achievements while setting the stage for the future of neutron science in Sweden and beyond.
Reflecting on a Decade of Collaboration and Growth
The anniversary brought together a vibrant community spanning academia, industry, and research infrastructure. Over the past ten years, SwedNess has established itself as a cornerstone for neutron science education, fostering expertise and collaboration across disciplines.
Opening the event, speakers reflected on the origins and development of the graduate school, emphasizing its role in strengthening Sweden’s position in neutron research. Contributions from Stiftelsen för strategisk forskning (SSF) and the Swedish Research Council (VR), alongside a thought-provoking presentation by Professor Kristina Edström, underscored how neutron science contributes to addressing global challenges in areas such as energy, materials, and sustainability.
Day 1: The Role of Neutron Science in Society
The first day focused on the broader impact of neutron science on research and society. Presentations from SwedNess representatives, universities, and the European Spallation Source (ESS) illustrated the importance of strong research infrastructure and continued investment in education.
A key highlight was the plenary lecture by Helmut Schober, Director General of ESS, who offered insights into how neutron science is evolving in a rapidly changing global landscape. His talk reinforced the importance of international collaboration and cutting-edge facilities in advancing scientific knowledge.
Throughout the day, SwedNess alumni shared their career journeys, showcasing how the graduate school has enabled contributions across academia, industry, and research institutions. These perspectives demonstrated the program’s lasting impact and the strength of its growing network.
The day concluded with a panel discussion on the future of neutron education, featuring representatives from ESS, SSF, VR, SwedNess alumni, and the Swedish Neutron Scattering Society (SNSS). The discussion highlighted the need for:
- Continued collaboration across sectors
- Investment in research infrastructure
- Development of future talent in neutron science
The evening wrapped up with a social activity and anniversary dinner, offering attendees an opportunity to strengthen connections and celebrate the milestone together.
Day 2: Scientific Advances and Future Directions
The second day shifted focus to scientific progress and future opportunities enabled by SwedNess. Sessions began with presentations on neutron imaging for energy applications, demonstrating how advanced techniques are contributing to cutting-edge research in energy systems.
PhD candidates and alumni presentations highlighted both emerging talent and the long-term value of the program. Their work illustrated the breadth of research areas supported by neutron scattering, from materials science to industrial applications.
Discussions also explored the future direction of SwedNess, including how the program can continue evolving to meet new scientific and societal demands. Sessions on industrial research and development emphasized the role of neutron techniques in innovation and real-world problem-solving.
Interactive networking activities throughout the day encouraged participants to build new collaborations, explore funding opportunities, and exchange ideas on complementary research methods.
Looking Ahead
The celebration was not only a reflection on past achievements but also a forward-looking platform for shaping the future of neutron science.
“Over the past ten years, SwedNess has built more than a graduate school—we’ve built a community driving neutron science forward. We now look ahead to the next decade with a continued focus on collaboration, innovation, and real societal impact,” said Martin Sahlberg, Director of SwedNess.
A Milestone for Neutron Science
The SwedNess 10-year anniversary event demonstrated the strength of a community built on collaboration, education, and scientific excellence. By bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, the celebration reinforced the critical role of neutron scattering in addressing global challenges and advancing research.
As SwedNess enters its next decade, the focus remains clear: to nurture talent, strengthen partnerships, and drive innovation in neutron science for years to come.
