ESS and Sandvik Coromant host Innovation Day in Sweden

The European Spallation Source (ESS) and Swedish tooling manufacturer Sandvik Coromant hosted the ESS Innovation Day 2026 on August 19, 2026, in Sandviken, Sweden. The fifth edition of the event brought together research directors from leading companies and universities to explore how industry can leverage the new opportunities offered by ESS. Discussions centered on how neutron science can contribute to impactful research and development within European academia and industry.

"I am very happy with the outcome of today's event. Bringing industry and research together creates an opportunity to listen, learn from each other and better understand where advanced research capabilities can make a difference. Working with leading research facilities such as the European Spallation Source gives us access to advanced capabilities and new insights. By combining these with our knowledge of materials and manufacturing, we can deepen our understanding and explore how these insights can be applied in different areas. We will build on what we've learned today and turn some of these conversations into new collaborations going forward," said Marco Zwinkels, VP at Sandvik Coromant.

As ESS prepares for operations in 2028, this year's meeting underscores ESS's ongoing efforts to engage researchers from both academia and industry in the science and innovation the facility will enable. Presentations focused on both applications of neutrons and policies for sustained competitiveness in Europe.

"All the links in the chain – from a good idea or a new research question to a product, process or high-impact scientific publication – need to be equally strong and, in particular, connected. ESS is a key link in the chain. Therefore, close and collaborative dialogue with future users, both within the scientific community and in industry, is crucial to ensure that our instruments and neutron research provide the new insights to help solve the major challenges of our time," stated Helmut Schober, ESS Director General.

A panel discussion, "From Lab to Global Stage: How to manage winning R&D today and tomorrow?", brought together leaders from Sandvik Coromant, TetraPak, IVA, Volvo Group, KTH, and SSF. Peter Hedström, Professor at KTH, described in his keynote presentation the concrete work being done at the NEXT competence center, centered around neutrons and large-scale research infrastructures. The ESS Innovation Day is an initiative of the ESS High Level Industrial Forum, an advisory body composed of leading industrialists.