Neutrons Canada Welcomes New Members: Brock University and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

“We welcome Brock University and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) as the newest members of Neutrons Canada”, says Dr. John Barrett, Chair of the Neutrons Canada Board of Directors.

“Brock University has been a supporter of neutron beam initiatives over the last decade as Canada grappled with its need for a national neutron beam program beyond the closure of the NRU reactor at Chalk River. Today, Brock University is among the 17 universities contributing to the multi-institutional Canada Foundation for Innovation award that is expanding the neutron beam laboratory at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor,” says Barrett.

Brock University Professor Thad Harroun represented neutron users on the Canadian Neutron Initiative working group, which steered the creation of Neutrons Canada, when he was the President of the Canadian Institute for Neutron Scattering from 2016 to 2020.

Recently, Brock University expanded its research capacity in this field with the hiring of Professor Gavin Hester, who brings more than a decade of research experience using neutron beam methods to determine structure-property relationships in quantum materials. His discoveries could become the foundation of the next generation of quantum computers.

“CNL is Neutrons Canada’s first private-sector member, which brings an essential industrial perspective to our membership,” says Dr. John Barrett. “CNL has over 70 years of experience not only in research with neutron beams but also in operating research reactors as neutron sources.”

CNL is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization. A leader in developing nuclear technology, CNL operates the AECL-owned Chalk River Laboratories, which are being revitalized with newly constructed world-class science facilities.

Neutron beams are indispensable tools for research and development, especially within the nuclear power sector, where stringent demands are placed on material performance. The pursuit of exceptionally high safety standards necessitates a profound understanding of material behaviors that exceeds typical industry requirements. In certain cases, neutron-beam tools are uniquely positioned to ensure the highest levels of quality and reliability in critical components of nuclear power plants.

Neutrons Canada is expanding its membership base to act on behalf of all Canadian institutions conducting research with neutron beams. All such institutions are invited to become members, allowing Neutrons Canada to best meet its purpose to govern, manage, and represent Canada’s infrastructure program for research and development with neutron beams.

Neutrons Canada’s membership is currently composed of 15 universities and CNL.

More Information

Potential members may find further information in the Neutrons Canada Prospectus, and are welcome to contact us about joining Neutrons Canada.

A high-impact example of research using neutron beams in the nuclear power sector is found here: https://neutrons.ca/feeders/