Recommendation 1
The UK must proactively ensure access to internationally competitive neutron scattering facilities for the foreseeable future.
Recommendation 2
Planning for the ILL should focus on sustaining and enhancing the unique scientific capabilities and ensuring that the neutron scattering instruments remain internationally competitive over the vital next 10 to 15 year period.
Recommendation 3
The operational regime for the ISIS Spallation Source should be increased beyond the present level of 140 days a year. This should be accompanied by a significant increase in international engagement.
Recommendation 4
The UK should take the initiative, during 2006, in coordinating European efforts to deliver, within three years, proposals for a scientific, technical, financial and policy road map for neutron scattering facilities in Europe.
Recommendation 5
The UK should plan to provide access for the UK research community to a megawatt-class next generation neutron facility within the next 15 years and should look to achieve this through European collaboration in the design, build and operation of such a facility.
Recommendation 6
Plans for the study of the upgrade of ISIS to 1MW beam power and beyond be deferred until the outcome of discussions with other European countries on a European-wide strategy for future neutron scattering facilities can be assessed within the next three years.
Recommendation 7
The UK should act immediately to join international projects addressing key technology developments associated with the next generation of neutron sources (e.g. high power targets, high power accelerators, new proton accelerators and detector developments). The UK should also remain alert to possible transformational technologies applicable to neutron scattering, such as Inertial Confinement Energy (laser fusion).
Recommendation 8
A study of the socio-economic costs and benefits arising from the hosting of an international research facility in the UK should be initiated in 2006, bringing together the interests of The Treasury, the Department of Trade and Industry, the relevant Research Councils and the appropriate regional authorities and others.