In a significant boost to Canada's research infrastructure, McMaster University has secured $13.5 million in federal funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to expand its leadership in neutron beam research. This renewed support positions McMaster at the heart of the nation's neutron scattering capabilities, addressing a critical gap left by the 2018 closure of the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor at Chalk River. The funding, announced as part of the CFI's 2025 Innovation Fund, will enhance the Canadian Neutron Beam Laboratory (CNBL) at McMaster's Nuclear Reactor, enabling groundbreaking work in materials science that underpins clean energy, quantum technologies, and health innovations.
The initiative builds on McMaster's pivotal role in resurrecting Canada's neutron program. After the NRU shutdown, over 800 scientists, engineers, and students across dozens of universities faced severe limitations in accessing neutron beams essential for probing atomic structures in materials. McMaster stepped up with a 2020 CFI project, securing $14.25 million to launch the CNBL, which officially opened in November 2024. Now, this latest investment ensures sustained growth, fostering collaborations and securing Canada's place among global leaders in neutron science.
The Science Behind Neutron Beams: Unlocking Materials at the Atomic Level
Neutron beams, produced by nuclear reactors like McMaster's 5-megawatt McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR)—operational since 1959—offer unparalleled insights into materials. Unlike X-rays, neutrons penetrate dense substances such as metals without damage, revealing atomic and molecular arrangements, magnetic structures, and dynamics. This non-destructive technique is vital for studying complex systems where traditional methods fall short.
Neutron scattering, the core method at CNBL, involves directing beams at samples and analyzing scattered neutrons to map internal structures. Applications span verifying turbine jet engine blades for aviation safety to developing advanced batteries and superconductors. In Canada, where materials research drives innovation in energy and manufacturing, this capability is indispensable.
The MNR, one of only seven such reactors in North America, provides medium-brightness beams ideal for diffraction and imaging, complementing high-brightness international facilities.
From Crisis to Leadership: McMaster's Journey Post-NRU Closure
The closure of the NRU reactor in 2018 marked a dark chapter for Canadian neutron research. As Canada's primary source for decades, its shutdown—due to aging infrastructure—left researchers reliant on oversubscribed foreign facilities, with demand far exceeding supply. Globally, 10,000 scientists depend on just 15 major neutron sources, mostly in Europe, the US, and Asia.
Bruce Gaulin, CNBL Director and McMaster's Distinguished University Professor, led the charge. His 2020 CFI-funded "Building a Future for Canadian Neutron Scattering" project, backed by $57 million in federal and provincial investments, established the CNBL. Total support now nears $100 million, transforming McMaster into the anchor of Neutrons Canada's national program.
"Neutron scattering is an essential component of Canada’s tool kit to solve sophisticated materials research problems," Gaulin emphasized. "A strong Canada needs a strong neutron beam program."
Breakdown of the New $13.5 Million Investment
The latest funding targets three key expansions:
- Operational support for CNBL's existing neutron diffraction instruments.
- Construction of a new neutron imaging station for 3D visualization of material interiors.
- Technical design study for a compact accelerator-driven neutron source (CANS), a scalable, cost-effective alternative to reactors.
Co-led by Gaulin and Pat Clancy, Deputy CNBL Director, the project involves 16 universities, including UBC and UofT. It also secures partnerships with European facilities like the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in France.
This is part of $35.6 million for McMaster's three CFI projects, announced by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, underscoring federal commitment to research infrastructure.Read the full CFI announcement.
CNBL Facilities and Capabilities
Housed at the MNR, CNBL features three neutron diffraction beamlines for powder and single-crystal analysis, with a fourth imaging beamline in development. Users access via peer-reviewed proposals through Neutrons Canada, prioritizing national research needs.
The lab supports diverse experiments: from quantum material magnetism to battery electrode dynamics. Its expert team—scientists, engineers, technicians—provides training, making it a hub for students and early-career researchers. Over 800 Canadian users benefit, with beam time allocated equitably.
Pat Clancy notes, "The next generation of innovations in health, science and technology depend on the discovery and development of new materials through leading edge research using neutron beams."
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash
Driving Clean Energy Innovations with Neutrons
Neutron beams are game-changers for clean energy. Researchers use them to study hydrogen storage in metals for fuel cells, lithium-ion battery degradation, and solid-state electrolytes for safer EVs. At McMaster, experiments probe catalyst structures for green hydrogen production and fusion reactor materials enduring extreme conditions.
One example: Verifying metal fatigue in wind turbine blades or solar panel alloys, ensuring durability. Canadian projects, supported by CNBL, align with net-zero goals, with stats showing neutron-informed materials reducing energy loss by up to 20% in prototypes.
For those pursuing careers in sustainable tech, explore research jobs at Canadian universities advancing these frontiers.
Quantum Materials and Advanced Technologies
Quantum research thrives at CNBL. Neutrons reveal spin dynamics in superconductors, topological insulators for quantum computing, and exotic magnets for spintronics. Collaborations with UBC's Meigan Aronson and UofT's Young-June Kim target quantum processors and sensors.
McMaster's legacy includes pioneering neutron studies on high-temperature superconductors. New funding accelerates this, potentially unlocking room-temperature quantum devices. Impacts ripple to MRI enhancements and secure quantum communication.
Health, Food Sustainability, and Beyond
Beyond energy, neutrons aid health by analyzing drug delivery nanoparticles and protein folding in diseases like Alzheimer's. In food science, they track nutrient distribution in crops for resilient agriculture.
Aviation safety benefits from non-destructive inspections of engine components, preventing failures. CNBL's role ensures Canada leads in these interdisciplinary applications.
National Collaborations and International Partnerships
Neutrons Canada coordinates access, partnering with US Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and ILL. McMaster's CNBL serves as the domestic hub, with 16-university consortium ensuring equitable use.
The Long-Range Plan 2025-2035 outlines sustained investment, positioning Canada strategically.
Future Outlook: Towards a Compact Neutron Source
The funding kickstarts a CANS design study—compact, accelerator-based sources offering flexibility without full reactors. Scalable and licensable, CANS could multiply Canadian capacity by 2030s, complementing CNBL.
"We’re still early in the rebuilding stage... this is a very exciting time," Gaulin said.
Career Opportunities in Neutron Research
This expansion creates roles for physicists, engineers, and technicians. McMaster trains next-gen experts via graduate programs. Aspiring researchers can find positions at university jobs or research assistant jobs. For advice, visit higher ed career advice.
Rate professors like Gaulin on Rate My Professor.
McMaster's triumph reaffirms universities' role in national innovation. As CNBL grows, expect accelerated discoveries shaping Canada's future in materials science. Explore higher ed jobs, research jobs, and Canadian academic opportunities to join this momentum.
