​ISIS and the CSNS have been working together for many years, with a first MoU signed in 2014. The partnership has included sharing information and expertise in ion source, accelerator and target technology, in detectors, software for data analysis, and neutron and muon science techniques. It has involved ISIS staff giving talks and workshops in China, and Chinese students and early-career researchers spending time working on projects at ISIS.

The new MoU solidifies and extends the collaboration through a 'joint laboratory on neutron science technology and application'. It will mean that the two facilities can continue to share expertise and experience via workshops, staff exchange and other activities, with the aim of further developing neutron (and muon) science and technology.

Roger Eccleston, ISIS Director, commented, 'We are very pleased to be continuing our partnership with our CSNS colleagues. Both ISIS and CSNS – and hence our wider user communities – benefit from our joint working and from the sharing of our know-how. It is an exciting time as both facilities are looking to extend their instrument suites through substantial development programmes'.

Yanwei Chen, CSNS Director, said, 'It is a big step forward for both ISIS and CSNS to continue the collaboration and expand mutual benefits by signing the new MoU. The two facilities will have in-depth exchanges in multi-disciplinary basic research and key technology research. We look forward to working closely with ISIS on the prevalence of neutron scattering applications around the world and address some of the most significant global scientific issues.'

The MoU extends the collaboration for at least a further 5 years, and both facilities are looking forward to working together over this period.