European Spallation Source prepares for 2027 operational startup
The European Spallation Source will detail its operational roadmap at the Big Science Business Forum 2026 in Maastricht as it nears its 2027 test phase.

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is scheduled to attend the Big Science Business Forum (BSBF2026) in Maastricht from October 27 to 30, 2026. Representatives will host sessions and meetings to discuss the current development status of the facility in Lund, Sweden, with a focus on industrial engagement.
As the facility approaches its scheduled test operations in 2027, the focus shifts toward the procurement and logistical requirements necessary to support a full-scale research environment. The project serves as a key European hub for neutron science, aiming to facilitate research in fields ranging from material physics to pharmaceutical development.
ESS remains a significant long-term infrastructure investment for the European research community. The upcoming transition into an active facility signifies the completion of years of construction and design, shifting the project into a new phase of scientific utility.