The MoU will strengthen collaboration in neutron and muon science between ISIS and BRIN (the National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia) through collaborative experiments at ISIS, training in neutron and muon methods, visits between the two countries and the sharing of expertise.
It forms part of a programme of activities supported by the
UK’s International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF). ISPF supports collaborations between UK researchers and their peers from around the world, enabling closer working with international partners to address global challenges, build knowledge and develop the technologies of tomorrow. ISIS has been awarded a 3-year ISPF grant to support Indonesian and Malaysian use of the facility and build long-term partnerships with researchers and funders in these countries.
Dr Philip King, who leads the ISPF programme at ISIS, commented, "The new MoU is a sign of our deepening partnership with colleagues in Indonesia. ISIS has had a long-term project with Indonesian researchers to develop catalysis methods for production of biofuel and bioplastic from agricultural biomass waste. The current ISPF programme is allowing Indonesian work at ISIS to expand into studies of novel functional materials such as ferroelectrics and photo-thermal compounds, surfactants for enhanced oil recovery and spintronic materials relevant to information storage."
Prof Ratno Nuryadi, Head of ORNM (Research
Organisation for Nanotechnology and Material, BRIN), visited ISIS following the signing of the MoU. He said, "Research collaboration between BRIN and ISIS is key to encouraging innovation based on deep science, accelerating the development of advanced materials, and strengthening the global research ecosystem for mutual benefit."
Dr Indri Adilina, BRIN scientist and long-time user of ISIS for catalysis research, coordinated the visit to RAL. She noted, "Use of ISIS techniques has enabled new understanding of sustainable catalysis processes for biofuel and bioplastic production. There continue to be multiple opportunities to develop our collaboration with ISIS, and with other facilities on the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site."
Left: Prof Ratno Nuryadi meeting Indonesian researchers on the ISIS IMAT instrument during his visit to the facility in November 2024. Left to right: Dr Jotti Karunawan, BRIN Postdoctoral Fellow; Dr Ranggi Ramadhan, ISIS instrument scientist; Dr Maykel Manawan, BRIN researcher; Prof Ratno Nuryadi.
Right: Prof Ratno Nuryadi, Head of Research Organisation for Nanotechnology and Materials, BRIN, signing the ISIS visitors book during his visit to the facility in November 2024.
- support research excellence and build the knowledge and technology of tomorrow
- strengthen ties with international partners
- enable researchers and innovators to cultivate connections, follow their curiosity and pioneer transformations internationally, for the good of the planet.
Read the BRIN news story on the visit of Prof Ratno, Dr Rifai and Mr Sucipto to ISIS.
