The 16th Central European Training School and Workshop on Neutron Techniques (CETS) took place in Budapest from 4 to 9 October 2026. Organised by the Budapest Neutron Centre (BNC), part of the HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, the event brought together students, early-career researchers and experienced scientists for six days of lectures, practical training and scientific exchange.
The programme opened with a workshop at Mercure Budapest Castle Hill. Dr. Zsolt Révay delivered the opening scientific lecture on chemical analysis with neutrons, followed by Dr. Zoltán Dudás’s overview of BNC’s past, present and future. Talks by Dr. Corneliu Ghica, Dr. Zdravko Siketić and Dr. Janez Plavec introduced transmission electron microscopy, ion beam analysis and NMR spectroscopy, highlighting how complementary techniques can support neutron-based research. Participants also presented their own projects through flash presentations and a poster session, providing opportunities for discussion with fellow researchers and invited experts.
On Monday and Tuesday, the school continued at the KFKI Campus with lectures covering neutron scattering, imaging, diffraction, reflectometry, time-of-flight spectroscopy and prompt gamma activation analysis. Application-focused talks explored topics including materials science, structural biophysics, cultural heritage, environmental research and magnetism. Contributions from BNC scientists and international lecturers connected the fundamentals of neutron methods with current research questions.
From Wednesday to Friday, participants worked in small groups at BNC’s experimental facilities under the guidance of instrument scientists. The hands-on sessions offered hands-on training on various neutron-based instruments, helping participants explore how investigating methods available at BNC could contribute to their own research. The programme concluded with a closing session and a visit to Mirrotron Ltd., offering insight into neutron instrumentation development.
By combining theoretical teaching, direct experience at neutron instruments and opportunities for scientific discussion, CETS continued BNC’s long-standing commitment to training the next generation of neutron users. BNC thanks all participants, lecturers, instrument scientists, organisers and supporting partners for their contributions to CETS 2026.
Further information, the programme and the Book of Abstracts are available on the CETS website.
We acknowledge the support of the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (grant agreement MEC_SZ_154693), the Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium (CERIC) and Mirrotron Ltd. for funding the Central European Training School and Workshop on Neutron Techniques.
