About us
The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences, located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, UK, and operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Our mission is to advance knowledge and improve lives by enabling research that addresses important scientific, societal and economic challenges. Each year, we host approximately 3,000 UK and international researchers from academia and industry and conduct around 1,200 experiments across a diverse scientific programme that spans blue-sky research and applied science.
The ISIS Leadership Team (ILT) is the senior leadership board within ISIS, responsible for the development and delivery of the strategy and the oversight of all project and operations. ISIS is also supported by various oversight and advisory boards. More information on ILT and our boards can be found on our leadership and governance page.
The importance of materials research
For over four decades, ISIS has been a driving force in materials research. ‘Materials’ encompasses all the substances that make up the physical world – from the environment around us to the innovations we create. They are essential to modern life and play a crucial role in solving global challenges.
By examining materials down to the atomic level, researchers can gain insights to develop new and improved materials with transformative applications in areas such as clean energy, quantum materials and healthcare.
Why use neutrons and muons for research?
Neutrons and muons are powerful probes that allow researchers to explore the atomic and molecular-level structure and behaviour of materials in unique ways.
Find out what makes neutrons and muons so useful for research.
How ISIS works
ISIS produces intense beams of neutrons and muons using a high-energy particle accelerator.
At the heart of ISIS is an 800 MeV proton accelerator that produces intense pulses of protons 50 times a second. Travelling at around 84% the speed of light, these proton pulses are fired at two tungsten targets to produce neutrons through a process called spallation. Muons are produced upstream of one of the neutron targets when the proton beam passes through a carbon plate producing pions, which rapidly decay into muons.
The neutrons and muons are directed to a suite of instruments, each optimised to study different types of phenomena and matter across a wide range of disciplines, including physics, engineering, materials science, biology, chemistry and heritage science.
This page takes you step by step through neutron and muon production at ISIS, and you can find out more about the technology behind ISIS in our Practical Guide to ISIS (pdf).
The facility is operated and maintained by skilled scientists, engineers and technicians who ensure its smooth operation, ongoing development and long-term sustainability. Learn more about the technical teams at ISIS.
Our capabilites
We support a national and international community of more than 2,000 scientists. The science areas that we support are diverse and far reaching, including:
For examples of the research undertaken at ISIS, explore our science highlights.
ISIS instruments
The ISIS targets are surrounded by a series of neutron scattering and muon instruments.
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source currently has over 30 neutron and muon instruments, with plans for more additions in the future.
Who benefits from ISIS
We work with both academia and industry to deliver scientific and socioeconomic impact, addressing global challenges and answering fundamental questions.
Our journey
When ISIS began operations in 1984, it quickly established itself as an exemplar neutron and muon source. For over 40 years, the continuous development of the instruments and source, along with the growth of a vibrant user community, has ensured ISIS remains at the forefront of neutron and muon sources worldwide.
Our facility is continuously evolving. Find out more about our priorities for 2030 and beyond.
Harwell campus
ISIS is based at STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), at Harwell, a research and innovation supercampus home to cutting-edge scientific instruments, institutes, businesses, and expert teams advancing knowledge and finding solutions.
Founded in 1946 as a hub for pioneering technology, the Oxfordshire campus now hosts over 7,000 scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and technicians – all focused on solving complex problems. Proximity sparks unexpected collaborations, breaks down barriers, and connects ideas with people who can implement them, resulting in faster innovation and solutions that wouldn’t emerge in isolation. From the materials in your smartphone to the satellites overhead; from life-saving medicines to the clean energy grid; science, technologies and businesses born at Harwell boost the economy and improve billions of lives.
Location
ISIS Neutron and Muon SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Didcot
OX11 0QX
United Kingdom
The campus is easily accessible, with excellent bus, rail, bike and road connections. Didcot Parkway rail station is five miles away, with direct services to London (Paddington) in under 45 minutes and Oxford City in under 15 minutes. It is easy to cycle from the station to Harwell campus, and there are frequent bus services and taxis available.
