Global experts in innovative neutron sources gather in Canada

Neutrons Canada was proud to co-sponsor a gathering of global experts in innovative neutron sources for the 11th International Meeting of the Union for Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Sources (UCANS11). This conference was held in Vancouver February 24­–28, 2025 and hosted by TRIUMF, Canada’s premier particle accelerator centre. This landmark event attracted approximately 60 attendees from around the globe, including representatives from innovative neutron sources and source development projects in Europe (20) and Asia (15), as well as Canada (19), the USA (5), and South America (1).

“The UCANS11 conference highlighted Canada’s interest in developing new neutron sources,” says John Barrett, Chair of the Board of Neutrons Canada. “Among its recommendations, the Canadian Neutron Long Range Plan calls for funding of a research and development program focused on advancing and evaluating technologies for a Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (CANS).”

“The University of Windsor has formed a coalition of researchers and institutions across Canada ready to build a Prototype Canadian Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (PC-CANS),” says Drew Marquardt, a professor at the University of Windsor and an organizer for UCANS11. “This conference has helped attract global experts to our cause.”

The envisioned PC-CANS would support materials research for users across Canada, aid in qualifying a brain cancer therapy that is available only in Japan, and produce medical isotopes for cancer diagnosis. The knowledge gained and the skills developed through this initiative will significantly benefit Canada’s economy and health system.

The commercial applications of CANS technology were a compelling reason for the conference to attract sponsorship from a diverse array of private companies and research organizations, including:

• Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
• D-PACE
• Accel-Link
• Rans View Corporation
• Cosylab
• Mirrotron
• TRIUMF
• University of Windsor
• Canadian Institute for Neutron Scattering
• Neutrons Canada
• ESS Bilbao

As a key player in Canadian CANS activities, TRIUMF’s hosting of UCANS11 underscores its ongoing dedication to advancing accelerator science and promoting international cooperation, along with its increasing focus on neutron science. TRIUMF boasts a distinctive accelerator complex featuring high-intensity driver beams for secondary particle production and the renowned ISAC rare isotope facility. Additionally, it houses a unique ultra-cold neutron source.

The Union for Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Sources (UCANS) was formed in 2010 with the mission to support the development of small, yet powerful, accelerator-based neutron sources worldwide. UCANS11 marks the 11th biennial meeting dedicated to the continual advancement of CANS facilities, addressing technological challenges, emerging science, and novel applications.

UCANS11 in Vancouver was not just a meeting; it was a celebration of scientific progress and international cooperation. By bringing together experts from diverse geographical regions, the conference fostered an environment of shared knowledge and innovation, ensuring that the future of neutron science continues to shine brightly.