Ukrainian researchers now have a unique opportunity to work with Europe’s most advanced scientific infrastructures — synchrotron and neutron radiation sources — through the NEPHEWS project (Networking European Photon and Neutron Research Infrastructures for Wider User Engagement), funded by the European Union and coordinated by Trinity College Dublin.

NEPHEWS brings together almost all leading European centres operating synchrotron, neutron and free-electron laser (FEL) facilities. The project involves 21 research infrastructures across Europe and the Middle East (nine synchrotrons, six neutron sources and six FEL facilities) as well as two major user organisations — the European Synchrotron and FEL Users Organisation (ESUO) and the European Neutron Scattering Association (ENSA).

The NEPHEWS initiative offers Ukrainian scientists real pathways to integrate into the European Research Area, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment without the need for additional funding, while fostering professional development and international collaboration. Its main goal is to expand access to advanced Research Infrastructures (RIs), develop new user communities and promote knowledge exchange between regions with different levels of scientific activity.

The project aims to create a unified European access system for photon and neutron infrastructures and to attract new users — particularly early-career researchers and those with little or no prior experience working with such facilities. Its key objectives are to strengthen transnational collaboration and knowledge exchange, remove barriers to accessing world-class research centres, train new users in the use of synchrotron, neutron and FEL techniques, support the development of technologies and human potential in scientifically less active countries, and raise awareness of the importance of large research infrastructures in addressing global challenges.

Ukrainian researchers receive priority in all NEPHEWS activities. The programme offers several types of support:

• TWINNING Programme
Ukrainian researchers are paired with experienced European users conducting similar experiments. Participants can learn how to perform measurements and data analysis directly at leading facilities. Travel and accommodation expenses are covered by the project.

• Early Career Researcher Support
Annual calls are organised for young researchers, who can take part in a one-week internship at one of the participating research infrastructures. All expenses are funded by the NEPHEWS project.

• Online Training
Free two-day online training sessions are held every six months, focusing on photon and neutron source methods as well as on preparing successful proposals for facility access. The next session will take place online via Zoom on 24–25 November 2025.

• Access to Facilities
Researchers may apply to conduct their own experiments at any of the infrastructures within the consortium. If the application is successful, NEPHEWS will reimburse travel and accommodation costs.

Within NEPHEWS, a total of 135 twinning experiments, 451 user experiments and 24 hands-on training placements for new users are planned. The project also includes a range of virtual events, workshops and training schools designed to help researchers strengthen their expertise, prepare proposals and build international networks.

Through NEPHEWS, Ukrainian scientists gain not only access to unique experimental resources but also valuable practical experience and international connections essential for developing world-class, competitive research.