Durham Reporter

Evidence suggests that neutron research facilities play a significant role in advancing innovation and bolstering the economy. These facilities aid in various societal applications, such as enhancing product performance, optimizing water management, improving food security, and protecting both public and environmental health.

Neutron research analyzes the properties of nearly all physical materials without damaging them, including soil, water, air, and living cells. This ability supports the discovery of new materials and the improvement of existing ones. Applications of neutron research have led to more resilient plant breeds, better semiconductor performance, reduced structural failures in aircraft, improved pharmaceutical uptake, and the characterization of cultural artifacts.

Investments in newer or modernized neutron research facilities worldwide can potentially reinforce scientific infrastructure and reduce dependence on highly enriched uranium used in older models. Such investments cater to the increasing demands in energy, materials science, and nuclear security, ensuring ongoing scientific progress while supporting economic resilience and national security.

Understanding the economic impact of these scientific investments is crucial for informed funding decisions. Economic assessments, particularly return-on-investment analyses, quantify neutron research benefits. Questions centered on neutron source investments cover objectives, expected outcomes, and alignment with budgets and timelines, translating real-world economic value into measurable terms.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology recently conducted a study assessing the economic value of federal neutron scattering facilities. Findings showed a net present value of $29.4 billion and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.67, implying that for every dollar invested, $2.67 in benefits was achieved.

Future research aims to strengthen neutron source capabilities by refining economic modeling to fully capture investment impacts. It will also support the evaluation of technologies like spallation sources and synchrotrons, guiding strategic investment decisions for optimal materials research infrastructure.

A webinar titled “Neutrons: Role and Socioeconomic Impact in Modern Society,” presented by Amanda Walsh at the International Atomic Energy Agency Ministerial Conference, further explores this analysis.