NIST Launches Neutron Materials Club for Industry
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is launching the nMat Consortium to help companies and researchers improve how they study materials using neutron technology. Starting April 1, 2026, members can team up to share tools, do research, and speed up new manufacturing breakthroughs. If you want in, just send a letter of interest—this is a great chance to shape the future of materials science!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
nMat Consortium Launch for Industry
NIST is launching the Neutron-Based Materials Characterization (nMat) Consortium to support pre-competitive research, expand industrial access to neutron tools, and accelerate translation of measurement science into manufacturing impact. Consortium activities will commence on April 1, 2026, and NIST is accepting letters of interest on an ongoing basis.
Members Gain Access to NIST Neutron Tools
Consortium activities may leverage NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) and Materials Science and Engineering Division (MSED) capabilities, including Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), neutron imaging, neutron diffraction, and neutron reflectometry. Initial technical areas of interest include structural characterization, interface analysis, stress and defect analysis, process monitoring, and magnetic analysis.
CRADA Required for Participation
To participate in the Consortium, organizations must execute a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NIST. Entities legally unable to enter CRADAs may be allowed to participate under a separate non-CRADA agreement at NIST's discretion.
Members May Provide Contributions
Participation may include financial and/or in-kind contributions consistent with the Consortium research plan, and all participants legally eligible to enter into a CRADA will be bound by substantially similar terms and conditions.
Letters Not Treated As Proprietary
Letters of interest must not include business proprietary information because NIST will not treat submissions in response to this notice as proprietary information.
No Guaranteed Participation
NIST does not guarantee participation in the Consortium to any organization that submits a letter of interest.
Consortium Template Will Be Provided
NIST will make a consortium CRADA template available to qualifying applicants and organizations whose letters of interest are accepted will be asked to sign a consortium CRADA or similar agreement.
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