The key topic was the discussion of the current status and prospects for the development of beamline instruments of the IBR-2 reactor.
FLNP Deputy Director for Research Bagdaulet Mukhametuly presented a report on the resumption of the FLNP experimental research program at the IBR-2. The allocation of beam time for scientific experiments is carried out on the basis of the submission of research proposals and their scientific and technical peer-review through the IBR-2 User Club portal. In 2025, 102 out of 114 beamtime applications were approved, and in 2026, 101 out of 111.
In his report on the Development Plan for the IBR-2 suite of spectrometers for 2026-2030, Denis Kozlenko, Head of the NICM Department, noted that the development of new spectrometers and the modernization of existing ones are planned to improve their efficiency and expand the range of research in the fields of condensed matter physics, materials science, biology, archaeology, and other fields.
D.P. Kozlenko “It is important for us to maintain a high level of scientific and methodological research at the IBR-2 reactor, so we periodically update our plans for the development and improvement of the IBR-2 spectrometers, taking into account previous work and current research needs, including the implementation of the User Program. Consideration and discussion of proposals for the development of the IBR-2 spectrometers’ complex at the Session of the PAC for CMP allows us to obtain an independent assessment from highly qualified experts in condensed matter research and take this assessment into account before planning and implementing specific work”
Leading Researcher Evgeny Goremychkin reported on the progress of work on the new BJN inelastic neutron scattering spectrometer at the IBR-2. The spectrometer prototype has confirmed the adequacy of computer models and allows using a wide range of neutron scattering angles. The next steps include completing the assembly and testing of the system.
FLNP Scientific Secretary Alexander Nezvanov presented the results of 2025 and plans for 2026 for FLNP scientific conferences, including the 32nd International Seminar on Interaction of Neutrons with Nuclei (ISINN-32) in Dubna and the International Conference on Condensed Matter Research at the IBR-2 Reactor, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Yu.M. Ostanevich (CMR@IBR2-2026). The latter will include a FLNP User Meeting, which will be held for the first time since 2022 in connection with the shutdown of the IBR-2 reactor.
Senior Researcher Maxim Zakharov presented a method for calculating neutron wave diffraction by periodic structures based on the Fourier-modal approach, which allows for the influence of different diffraction orders to be taken into account without restrictions on energy or structure profile. This method is important for accurately describing the diffraction pattern when using gratings in the study of nanostructures and moving surfaces.
At the dedicated section for young researchers, twelve young scientists from the FLNP presented their reports: Bekhzodjon Abdurakhimov, Yersultan Arynbek, Asif Asadov, Bulat Bakirov, Anna Bulaeva, Polina Gergelezhiu, Kanan Gasanov, Polina Kobchikova, Evgeny Kolupaev, Olga Lis, Sergey Sumnikov, and Meir Erdauletov.
Following the results of the 62nd Meeting of the Programme Advisory Committee for Condensed Matter Physics, the following presentations were recognized as the best reports of young scientists:
1st place: Evgeny Kolupaev: "Development of reflectometric studies in oscillating magnetic fields at the REMUR instrument";
2nd place: Polina Kobchikova: "Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials for Molecular Crystals of Flexible Organic Compounds";
3rd place: Polina Gergelezhiu: "Vibrational spectroscopy of ibuprofen: experimental features and DFT calculations".
The report of Evgeny Kolupaev was recommended for presentation at the 139th Session of the JINR Scientific Council.
B.A. Bakirov was awarded a diploma for the best report in the Section for young scientists of the 61st Meeting of the PAC for Condensed Matter Physics.
