What are you currently working on?

I am instrument scientist for polarization analyzed SANS. Mostly I am working with the SKADI team, which is the SANS beamline at ESS which will be equipped with full polarization capabilities. Sometimes I also join activities from e.g. DREAM or ESTIA.

On the instrumentational side, I am working on the polarization capabilities for SKADI (mostly the Flipper, Analyzer, and magnetic field environments for samples).

On the research side, I am performing hard-matter polarized SANS and GISANS experiments. Regarding data analysis, I am working with the DMSC to define workflows for polarized SANS data reduction and analysis.

What first sparked your interest in your field of research?

It was when I started looking for possible PhD-projects near the end of my master thesis. I took part in a neutron labcourse with both theoretical and experimental parts, and especially the week of performing and analyzing neutron experiments was a lot of fun! Afterwards, I asked for the possibility of a PhD in this field.

What challenge/societal problem are you trying to solve, and why is it important?

My work is on hard-matter systems mostly towards the fundamental physics aspect, e.g. with magnetic / correlated electron systems. It can be applied in different sectors such as data storage based on magnetic materials, energy storage, or quantum technologies, but also e.g. for background substraction or filtering out incoherent scattering contributions.

What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your work so far? 

Regarding instrumentational work: the improvement of the efficiency of SKADI’s Spin Flipper, as this is a very important improvement to the beamline, which will affect any user working with polarization analysis.

Regarding my scientific work: the paper coming out of my collaboration with a theoretical team working on DFT and micromagnetic modelling, as it combines nicely the measured observables (in this case a magnetic chirality) with theoretical calculations on the origin of such.

Why did you become involved in LINXS?

I am part of the YRI for Hard Matter, which is very motivating as it keeps the younger community connected which could help in learning about general neutron/X-ray scattering techniques and analysis programs. I would have liked to join activities like that during my PhD times!

I am also involved in the Quantum Materials theme.

What advice would you give to early-career researchers?

Stay motivated and keep connected – the basis for a researcher’s future!

Read more about Annika Stellhorn at ESS

Since the start of the RheoMAXESS theme at LINXS in early 2025, applications for advanced rheometry experiments at MAX IV have increased significantly. The targeted efforts to disseminate the techniques, explore their applications, and support users in proposal writing and data analysis have all had positive effect, says theme leader Roland Kádár.

“The theme was conceived based on the early success of new techniques developed within the Advanced Rheological Testing Science Initiative (artSI) at MAX IV. This was fuelled by the fact that rheology can impact a number of disciplines, from materials and medicine to food and sustainability. Now we are seeing proof that more researchers are eager to explore how rheology can support their research questions,” says Roland Kádár, Professor of Rheology at Chalmers University of Technology.

The RheoMAXESS theme aims to unite soft matter science and soft matter processing with the focal point of rheology – the science of flow and deformation of matter – as a uniquely positioned analytical tool that connects both worlds across disciplines.

LINXS was the platform that was needed

Identifying researchers’ needs has been key to the increase in rheometry applications at MAX IV, explains Roland Kádár. The LINXS theme has become the platform that was needed for creating new networks with a shared interest in rheology.

“It is not enough to just have a good technique if no one knows about it, you also need to have the means to reach out,” he says.

Building on previous activities to highlight the capabilities rheology offers for different disciplines, and workshops which focused on how to write beamtime applications, the latest activity in February brought together different research areas that can all benefit from rheology: materials, food and bio/med-tech. In attendance were both researchers and company representatives.

During this workshop, which was organised in collaboration with the AIDA theme at LINXS, the latest research in synchrotron and neutron rheological testing was presented, together with scientific cases from leading researchers in academia and industry.

New open-source software toolset

A new open-source software toolset that allows nearly real-time post-processing of experimental data close to publication-ready levels was also presented. It enables researchers to trouble-shoot, fine-tune and make decisions on how to continue experiments while they are ongoing at the beamline. The interface for the model is available as an open source on the coding platform GitHub and the team is working to implement this into the Data Clinics at LINXS.

“We encourage people to look beyond the technical specifications of our rheological infrastructure when they are deciding on what experiments they would like to perform. Rather, we want them to contact us with a focus on what they would like to ultimately find out. Then we try to make that possible,” says Roland Kádár.

Value of any technique comes from its application

He emphasises that the value of any new technique or software ultimately comes from how it is used, and whether it can support new scientific breakthroughs.

He continues:

“We have found that this combination of scientific method development and community reach-out proof-of-concept works! And this is an aspect that will continue to grow in importance as we have a range of very exciting new developments in the pipeline.”

 Read more about the RheoMAXESS theme

“These bacteria are ideal candidates for capacity building in the electron microscopy methods we aim to advance in the SHINE theme – specifically Cryo-ET, Cryogenic Electron Tomography,” says Vasili Hauryliuk, Professor in Molecular Enzymology at the Medical Faculty at Lund University. “They are small, and full of molecular machines that can be efficiently detected by Cryo-ET: ribosomes that are responsible for building proteins, and clusters of enzymes that capture the methane.”

Aim to advance the analyses of clinical samples

An overarching aim of the SHINE theme is to advance the analyses of clinical samples using high-resolution imaging techniques such as Cryo-ET. They make it possible to study proteins within cells, or even in tissue, and can reveal new information about protein behaviour and structure. A stark contrast to how proteins are commonly studied: by purifying them and analysing them in a controlled environment. In time, this knowledge can help researchers understand why diseases develop and cells malfunction.

Technique requires sample preparation

Yet a major difficulty with analysing clinical samples by Cryo-ET is that this method is unsuitable for thick samples. The technique requires a lot of sample preparation, such as slicing the clinical sample into smaller pieces first. Experiments on bacteria can help set up the technique due their small size.

Research on bacteria: a new venture

For Vasili Hauryliuk this research is exciting. Up to a few years ago he had never heard of these bacteria, let alone studied them. It all started when he read about a research group run by Alexander Tosdal Tveit at The Arctic University of Norway, who had managed to capture and farm bacteria that eat atmospheric methane. These bacteria naturally live in melting permafrost in places such as Svalbard.

Now they will collaborate in a research project that also involves Oleg Sitsel, an assistant professor at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan. Their end goal is to make the bacteria consume more methane. If they succeed it can have major potential to mitigate climate change: for example, by using them on cattle farms to capture some of the methane that the animals produce through digestion.

First step: understanding the bacteria

Succeeding requires many steps. To begin with, they need to first understand the bacteria’s inner molecular workings: how can you genetically modify it in the future to eat larger amounts of the gas and grow faster?

“The bacteria’s DNA has already been sequenced, but we need to understand the metabolic processes at play: how do they allocate their resources when they grow fast; and how do they form ribosomes and enzyme clusters? To find this out, we will use Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), combined with proteomics and microbiology,” says Vasili Hauryliuk.

Identify phages that eat the bacteria to learn from them

A long-term goal for Vasili Hauryliuk is to take the research one step further. The main focus of his lab is phages, viruses that infect and kill bacteria. He is interested in identifying phages that kill methane-eating bacteria. Phages are the most abundant biological entities on earth and play an important role in for example the carbon cycle where they kill large amounts of marine bacteria and thus recycle carbon and nutrients.

“If we can isolate the phages that kill these bacteria, we can use these for biotechnology. When phages infect bacteria, they use all kinds of ingenious tricks to take over their metabolism. They have been doing this for billions of years, and it is time we learn from them.”

Vasili Hauryliuk is excited about combining his ongoing research on viruses with this project and the work within the SHINE theme.

“For us this has been a very odd direction for our research. It is a completely different thing, but it is fun to do something outside your comfort zone! I find that these projects are the ones where you also learn the most, when you have a completely open mind!”

About the research

The research project is funded by HFSP Research Grants – a grant that supports innovative basic research into fundamental biological problems with emphasis placed on novel and interdisciplinary approaches that involve scientific exchanges across national and disciplinary boundaries. It gathers Vasili Hauryliuk and colleagues from Lund University, UiT The Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø), Harvard Medical School and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan.

Read more about the SHINE theme

AMBER has opened its final call for postdoctoral fellowship positions, with a deadline of 24 August 2026. AMBER, Advanced Multiscale Biological imaging using European Research infrastructures, addresses scientific and sectoral gaps in biological imaging ranging from molecular, through cellular, to tissue, organ and organism levels of organisation.

Around four postdocs will be recruited in this call and each postdoc is funded for 36 months. Scientists holding a PhD in the areas of physics, chemistry, medical sciences, biological sciences, or other relevant areas are welcome to apply.

AMBER is coordinated by LINXS Institute of advanced Neutron and X-ray Science.

The postdocs will be recruited under the following topic areas

• Biological and biomedical imaging

• Lipids, lipid-based therapeutics and partially ordered systems

• Protein structure in health and pathology

AMBER has the following partner organisations: Lund University/MAX IV, Sweden, the European Spallation Source (ESS), Sweden, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), France, the International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, (IMOL), Poland, the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, United Kingdom, and Aarhus University, Denmark.

As a postdoc ,your work may include clinical and biomedical projects. It may also include technique development work aimed at combining imaging techniques and data analysis to provide a more integrated picture of life processes in the context of health and disease.

The call closes on 24 August 2026.

AMBER is an EU research programme funded by the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) COFUND scheme.

In this newsletter, we share our upcoming events, and news from our thematic activities. We also highlight interviews and initiatives from our different theme leaders.

Read the newsletter to find out more about our activities, and to stay updated on more opportunities to engage, learn and connect with others.

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The new board members are:

• Professor Per Persson (Board Chair), Dean at the Faculty of Science, Lund University

• Professor Margaret McNamee, Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Engineering, Lund University

• Professor Jonas Larsson, Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University

• Professor Lars Kloo, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm

• Professor Olof Karis, Director of MAX IV Laboratory

• Professor Helmut Schober, Director General of the European Spallation Source ERIC

• Akshat Mishra (PhD Representative), PhD Student in Mathematical Physics, Lund University

The LINXS Semiconductors theme aims to combine semiconductor device development with advanced characterisation using X-rays and neutrons. In February, the theme had its first event at LINXS to plan its future work.

“It was a very good experience,“ says theme leader Rainer Timm, Professor at the Department of Physics, Lund University. “We had many people in attendance and lively discussions right from the start.”

During the event, they had two parallel workshops to identify key needs and focus areas for the different working groups. The intention is to focus on the most pressing questions for developing semiconductor technologies.

“We want to improve what is well established within the field with new functionalities. We can never replace silicon, but we need to develop alternative technologies for more energy-efficient AI systems, and we need to ensure that novel semiconductor materials can support the green transition through improved electrification,” says Rainer Timm.

Bridging device development and beamline expertise

Many new materials are already being developed, emphasises Rainer Timm. Through advanced X-ray and neutron characterisation, their functionalities can be understood, refined and tested in ways that have not been possible before. Yet this will require experiments that produce data on how semiconductors operate in devices in real time – so-called operando studies.

During the kick-off, the theme members began to discuss how one can prepare, plan, and perform such experiments, which include developing methods to go from characterisation of simple model structures to characterisation of more complex models, such as full devices.

“What we learnt in our initial discussion is that we need to have good interaction between those involved in developing semiconductors and instrument scientists to make this work since it is quite a challenge.”

Building a broad network across academia and industry

Involving instrument scientists right from the start, as they will do in the theme, is one way forward, emphasises Rainer Timm. Through collaboration, one can ensure that the devices fit the requirements of the beamlines, for example, making experiments more successful and increasing the chances of producing correct and usable data.

“There are a lot of things to think about when you go from simple models to more complex systems involving not just semiconductors, but multiple materials requiring measurements at different length scales,” says Rainer Timm.

To really make a difference in developing new semiconductor technologies, one needs to involve a range of different organisations – spanning from basic research to more applied science, explains Rainer Timm. Therefore, one of the aims with the theme is to build a broad network with researchers from academia, industry and larger research institutes.

Already two of the companies attending the kick-off are interested in joining the theme. To Rainer Timm, this suggests that the theme’s focus is seen as something of value to the industry.

“We are delighted with this early interest! It is great to have companies on board at this early stage as it opens possibilities for deeper collaboration!”

Exploring neuromorphic materials and advanced techniques

Regina Dittmann, Director at the Forschungszentrum Jülich, GmbH, in Germany, is co-leader for one of the theme’s working groups: Neuromorphic Materials for Deep Learning and AI. Her research is focused on how to use synchrotron techniques to measure microscopic processes in devices – with an aim to develop materials that can serve as vehicles in neuromorphic computing systems. Neuromorphic computing is an engineering approach that mimics neural and synaptic structures in hardware and software to create highly energy-efficient, fast, and intelligent systems.

She is excited about being part of the Semiconductors theme.

“For me, it is very valuable and interesting to have a community to exchange knowledge with. Within the theme, we can engage in new approaches, learn about new techniques, and discuss new aspects of the devices,” says Regina Dittmann.

Bringing researchers and instrument scientists together during the kick-off proved very successful, she says.

“At MAX IV, they are involved in instrument development, something I, and many others, are highly interested in. It was great to hear about what is going on at the forefront of this work, in terms of the development of new techniques and methods.”

Learning across fields and expanding expertise

Judith Knabe is also involved in the theme. She is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Electrical and Information Technology at Lund University. In her research, she is interested in developing materials for neuromorphic applications that can be used by industry. From her PhD, which focused on epitaxial films and growth techniques to develop nano-scale electronic and optical devices, she already has experience of X-ray characterisation.

“You are missing out on a lot of opportunities if you are not using these techniques,” says Judith Knabe.

She is excited about learning more about other fields and approaches as part of the theme’s work.

“There is so much more to learn! The theme is a great opportunity to benefit from other people who are experts, and to gain more knowledge of data analysis and different aspects of X-ray and neutron characterisation!”

Kick-off presented new opportunities

Paul Hurley is a Professor at the Tyndall National Institute, at the University College Cork in Ireland. Applying his research expertise in 2D materials and compound semiconductors, he works with developing red microLEDs for next generation of augmented reality (AR)-glasses. Paul and the team are working to characterise, understand and passivate non-radiative defects in the vicinity of the mesa edge of the red microLEDs which are limiting the optical output power. These defects are distributed into the semiconductor (InGaP) over just a few nanometers and  remain one of the main challenges for this type of optical AR-technology.

Attending the theme kick-off was an eye opener for Paul Hurley. Learning more about what facilities like MAX IV and ESS can offer was especially valuable.

“I have never been at a synchrotron source before. I found out capabilities I didn’t even know existed!”

“I also learnt about new techniques and approaches we can try in our own research. We have a very specific, but very challenging problem, as the defects on the glasses are only distributed over a few nanometres.”

That the theme brings together different groups of researchers is something he highly commends.

“For collaborations and projects to have a larger impact it is better to gather people that don’t know each other’s work from beforehand. The chance for innovation and breakthrough is much higher. Take me as an example: I am from an electrical engineering background, and I have learnt so many new things from just one visit to LINXS!”

Read more about the Semiconductors theme

Read more about the kick-off for the Semiconductors theme

The two keynote lectures are from Ken Andersen, Director at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, and Michael Sattler, Professor at Helmholtz Zentrum, in Munich, Germany. There will also be presentations from the early career scientists involved in the young researcher initiatives for hard matter, soft matter, and life sciences.

The day will end with an informal interactive session including posters, and various demonstration sessions including sessions highlighting the Crafford data analysis clinics that have recent gone into action at LINXS.

“It will be a lively day showcasing the breadth of science ongoing within the LINXS communities and emphasising the developing potential in the Science Village environment as well as its powerful international connectivity” says Trevor Forsyth, LINXS Director.

Read more and register for LINXS Science Day

Bouthayna Rabhi and Hagar Abdalla are two of the organisers of the upcoming early-career researcher symposium taking place at LINXS in May. They are both PhD students at the University of Leicester, focusing on molecular cell biology.

Why are you organising this event?

The annual symposium in Lund on 21 - 22 May allows early-career researchers from the University of Leicester and other universities to share their research in a similar field, allowing for growing collaborative work and ideas. It enables the generation of new ideas while creating new connections, which is essential for researchers. 

What would you like to see as outcomes?

We would love to see an interdisciplinary dialogue between the young researchers in Leicester, Lund and any other participating Scandinavian institution. This should be an opportunity for a multi-diverse networking for early career researchers to meet up, discuss science and interlink the different disciplines as well as open opportunities for facility use and potential collaboration!

What scientific questions will you focus on, and why are they interesting?

Structural, biophysical and molecular interactions, chemical biology approaches to target therapy, and regulation of cellular and biological systems. These are the three topics we will focus on. These subjects allow us to better understand existing research gaps while generating new questions for the future of science. 

What challenges do you think are most important to tackle within your research field?

The challenges are many in our research field, but one of the most important is the interdisciplinary aspect of it (hence why the symposium can be a good opportunity to be inspired!).

Having access to the tools and the techniques that are not available in the lab we work in, as well as collaborators who can help with their expertise in this regard, is important.

Why organise activities especially for early-career researchers?

Attending symposiums such as this one allows researchers to begin networking from early on in their research careers. Connections and collaborations, such as those that will be developed in Lund, are an essential tool for any academic. Through these, young researchers can seek mentoring and advice from more experienced individuals.  

What motivates you in your work?

Our research allows us to work passionately about something we are very interested in. The problem-solving and troubleshooting that come with exploring our research question encourage us to work to the fullest of our ability. This, coupled with a happy and healthy work environment, makes work something to look forward to. 

 Read more about the symposium and register 

The biennial school FASEM, the French Swedish Academy for Scattering Experiments and Modeling, aims to train early-career researchers in neutron and photon techniques, combining experimental approaches with modelling. This year, it was hosted by the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble for the first time.

At the ILL, Peter Fouquet, instrument scientist and Head of the ILL Graduate School, acted as the main organiser of the event. The FASEM school itself is coordinated and co-organised by Christine Darve, senior scientist at the European Spallation Source (ESS).

One of the goals with FASEM is to develop and strengthen sustainable scientific exchanges between the French and Swedish communities on the use of large-scale facilities like ESS/MAXIV and ILL/ESRF/SOLEIL, with the support of the Ambassade de France and Institut français.

More than 150 applications

The 2026 school attracted strong international interest: more than 150 students applied for the one-week programme. Of these, 30 were selected for on-site participation and a further 50 attended online. The number of applications, including many from developing regions, highlights the growing global reach of the programme, emphasise Christine Darve and Peter Fouquet.

“Since the first edition, we have added several components, like modelling, and industry engagement, as well as online capacity to reach out to developing communities. Through FASEM, we can support knowledge transfer, build networks, and ensure continuity for future users of neutron and photon sources, complementing the well-established HERCULES school,” says Christine Darve.

“Our collaboration has proven very successful in attracting participants not just from Sweden and France, but from many other countries. This is particularly valuable, as we aim to bring together a diverse group of students with different perspectives and backgrounds, while helping them develop the skills needed to prepare strong and competitive grant applications. Personally, it is also an opportunity to meet, and to mentor younger researchers, which I greatly enjoy,” says Peter Fouquet.

Materials for Energy Applications

This school rotates across three key thematic areas: Scattering Techniques for Environment & Materials, Life Sciences, and Energy Applications. This time, the focus was on materials for energy applications. The programme covered a wide range of neutron and photon techniques (imaging, diffractometry, spectroscopy, small-angle scattering) along with their applications, data processing, and AI-enhanced analysis. Sessions also addressed industry engagement, career opportunities and socio-economic impact of neutron and photon research.

Participants visited both the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), taking part in guided tours of the facilities and exchanges with local scientists.

FASEM also featured prizes for best research poster and best research presentation (clips) funded by LightSources.org, while the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) supported the attendance of 10 Swedish students.

Technical skills and collaboration for large-scale science

“We strive for students to gain a solid understanding of both the technical concepts and the collaborative skills needed for executing large-scale research projects,” says Ken Andersen, ILL General Director, and lecturer at FASEM2019.

“By training students early in their career, we also strengthen the whole neutron and photon community’s scientific and operational expertise for the future,” adds Jean Daillant, ESRF General Director and lecturer at FASEM2019.

Since the start, LINXS has been a long-standing partner to FASEM, hosting the two earlier schools, in 2019, FASEM2019, and in 2024, FASEM2024. Those schools specifically highlighted the development of ESS and the expertise of its scientific community.

Positive feedback from participating students

Alongside the scientific programme, FASEM also placed strong emphasis on interaction and community building. The feedback from participants reflects both the quality of the training and the collaborative atmosphere of the school.

Juliana Avtarovski is a PhD Student at the School of Physics at the University of Wollongong, Australia, currently spending time at ILL. Her research topic is in condensed matter physics, focusing on copper-based frustrated magnets, such as clinoatacamite, at ANSTO:

“It was an incredible week meeting many new peers from abroad and learning plenty.”

She can see many benefits for her continued research:

“It was great to be given an introduction to many techniques that I will be making use of in the future and also seeing them applied for different applications. The atmosphere of the event was so warm and inviting, making networking with PhD and early-career researchers in related fields fun and insightful.”

“I now have a better idea of why my research team applies certain techniques rather than others and the need to consolidate a range of techniques for reliable, meaningful results. With the lectures being accessible as recordings and PDFs, I am able to come back to these resources when I eventually implement what I have learnt at this school,” says Juliana Avtarovski.

Marcus Liljenberg is an industrial PhD student at KTH and PowerCell in Sweden. His research topic is intermediate temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, with special focus on optimizing the catalyst layers.

He also found the contents of the school very valuable for his PhD studies. He commends the broad introduction to many techniques which he now hopes to incorporate in his own research.

“Many of the papers I've been reading include methods using Small Angle Scattering techniques. Interpreting these results is not trivial and I've been looking for some course to study these methods. I was lucky to find FASEM, and that the focus this year was on energy materials is a happy coincidence!”

Going forward, he says he will have a better understanding of interpreting research based on these techniques.

“I'm also hoping to design my own experiments that can complement other methods that I'm currently using. I'll try to keep in contact with others that attended, perhaps we can continue with collaborations.”

Erika Magnusson is a PhD student at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. She researches structure-dynamics relationships in various ion-conducting solids. Her previous background is in nanomaterials, where she has mainly worked with lab-scale X-rays and electron characterization techniques. She is now in the process of translating this knowledge into using neutron-based methods at large-scale facilities.

She also highlights how FASEM was a great introduction to neutrons and photons.

“Attending FASEM was a truly inspiring experience, the possibilities with neutrons and X-rays feel endless!”

“At this early stage of my PhD, the broad yet technical lectures and discussions not only prepared me for my first experiments but expanded my perspective on how to approach situations where I need to rethink my strategy and consider other experimental methods. I am also deeply grateful for the engagement from all the participants, which made this experience truly unforgettable.”

She is now looking forward to attempting her own first experiments.

“Thanks to FASEM, I now feel well equipped to approach my own first neutron experiments, from writing the initial proposal to conducting experiments and analysing the data. I am now excited to put everything I have learnt into action in my own research!”

Further reading about FASEM2026

• All the material from FASEM: FASEM2026 Indico

• “Early career scientists celebrate their success in Lightsources.org sponsored awards", April 2026

• “FASEM school at ILL: training on neutron and photon science for energy materials”, May 5th, 2026

The workstations will also be used for targeted Data Clinics, where invited experts can provide support for specific techniques and methods, or give advice on how to prepare or further analyse different research data.

“The idea is that these workstations will provide a ready set-up environment where people can come in, load up their data, and start looking at it with the same tools that they would have used at the beamline,” says Martin Stankovski Clark, senior strategist at LINXS.

Support data analysis

The initiative is an effort by LINXS to increase the support for data analysis, and to shorten the time it takes from experiment to publication, and from publication to societal impact.

“Data processing and preparation take a huge amount of time and effort,” says Martin Stankovski Clark. “It is also an aspect that can fall at the edge of the remit of the large-scale research infrastructures, since their main focus is on the actual experiments.”

“Our hope is that this facility will help users analyse their data faster and more efficiently, to ultimately increase their scientific output. Another ambition is to contribute to building analytical competence and skills within different research communities.”

LINXS workstations are preloaded with software for analysing data from imaging, scattering, diffraction and microscopy experiments. Between data clinics, they are available to be used by visitors on a first come, first served basis.

“The computers take advantage of the high-speed university network for data transfer, and can perform many of the most common computations and analyses that you would typically do at a workstation. This includes heavy tasks such as tomographic analysis and 3D rendering. However, they are not meant for very heavy computations or analysis that would require you to use a computational cluster,” says Martin Stankovski Clark.

Data Clinics on different techniques and topics

LINXS is now planning for a number of different Data Clinics. The workstations allow for about ten to twenty people at each Data Clinic.

“We can host up to one clinic a week. We welcome suggestions and ideas for whom to invite,” says Martin Stankovski.

Two Data Clinics have already been organised, one by the AIDA theme in collaboration with QIM - The Center for Quantification of Imaging Data from MAX IV. They used Insegt3D, a software that they have developed themselves, to analyse tomographic data from imaging experiments with different biological samples.

The second clinic, on tomographic and scattering data analysis, was part of a Treesearch organised course in April which included both scanning with tomography and scattering at the ForMAX beamline at MAX IV, followed by data analysis at LINXS. Emanuel Larsson (who is also LINXS Co-Director) and Jonas Ahlstedt from CIPA and InfraVis supported the participating students to analyse their data from cellulose-based samples (including wood, paper and carton).

To book the workstations, or find out more, please contact Josefin Martell, LINXS Science Activities Manager

josefin.martell@linxs.lu.se

LINXS workstations are funded by the Crafoord Foundation through a grant which LINXS kindly received in 2025.

What are your duties at LINXS? 

My main task is to support Josefin Martell, LINXS Science Activities Manager, and Mia Lindström, LINXS Event Assistant, with upcoming events and ongoing events. Before that, most of my working life has been within logistics, leadership roles, or a combination of both, which has given me a lot of experience in organising, problem solving, and working with people.

Why did you choose to come here? 

A big reason why I chose LINXS was that it seemed like a very flexible workplace. I felt that I wanted to develop certain parts of my studies while also continuing to work with different kinds of tasks that I am already familiar with, and LINXS matched those criteria really well. I’ve also always been told that when choosing an internship, the most important thing is to choose based on the colleagues and especially a mentor that you connect well with. That was definitely something I felt with LINXS.

Which aspects of event management are you most interested in? 

Coming from a logistics background, I’m naturally very interested in the planning side. I really enjoy working with structure, keeping track of details, and making sure all the puzzle pieces fit together, Excel is basically my best friend! At the same time, one thing I felt was missing in logistics was the followthrough, being able to see that all the work you’ve put in actually turns into something real that benefits and creates a good experience for others. That’s something I really like about event management.

What do you hope to achieve during your time at LINXS? 

Graphics, and marketing overall, is what I'm finding the most difficult when it comes to events, although it's very much growing on me. Since I got here, I’ve been working a lot with the website and YouTube videos, which has already helped me develop that side of my skill set and made me more confident in it.

What are your impressions so far?

I’ve had a really good start to my time at LINXS. I’m a little more than halfway through my internship now, and so far it has been a very positive experience. My biggest challenge has probably been keeping up with all the scientific terms and topics, especially since I don’t come from a research background at all. But it has also been fun to learn something completely new and be part of that environment.

What are you currently working on?

My research revolves entirely around airborne particles (“Aerosol”).  A theme I focus on currently, is surface layers of (proxies for) atmospheric aerosol particles. We have found that the particle surface, which mediates much of aerosol impact on health (millions die per annum) and climate (aerosol offsets some of our climate perturbation, which slows down climate change), to differ substantially from total particle composition. However, only the total particle composition is typically measured, because to properly measure particle surfaces, very specialised tools are needed. We have recently developed one such tool in a collaboration between LTH and MAX IV, and are now starting to use it for environmental science, which ties into my engagement in LINXS.

What first sparked your interest in your field of research?

I have been interested in science for as long as I can remember. I was looking for a topic for my master thesis and asked my favorite physics lecturer for advice. They pointed me to the LU Aerosol laboratory, where I found measuring aerosol particles to be an interesting challenge pursued by agreeable people. 

What challenge/societal problem are you trying to solve, and why is it important?

Aerosol is the main environmental cause of death: enormous human suffering arises from it. There is much left to learn about which particles are harmful, the mechanisms involved in the harm, and how it can be reduced. Aerosol is also an essential component in the Earth system, as there would be no clouds without aerosol. In both cases (health, and climate effects) the physicochemical properties of the aerosol are what determines the effect; therefore, I focus on properly understanding and measuring them.  

What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your work so far?

Interacting with PhD students, discussing their experiments, data sets and how to do science in general. I am fortunate to be active in strong research milieus with many opportunities for such interactions.

Why did you become involved in a LINXS theme?

I wanted to learn more about X-rays and neutrons, and network with people working with them. LINXS has elevated my X-ray based aerosol science and gave me opportunity to start working with neutrons, which I am convinced is a promising new direction.

What advice would you give to early-career researchers? 

Understand that many factors affecting your future career are out of your hands (no, it’s not fair). If you want to stay in academia, try to get involved in funding applications, big or small, as soon as possible. If you get an invitation to review a paper take it! It is very educational to see “the other side”.

Read more about Axel Eriksson in the Lund University Portal

What are you currently working on in your role as Curator?

One of the aspects of my job that I appreciate is the diversity of the work. In the Heberden Coin Room, where I am responsible for the Iron Age (pre-Roman) coins from Britain and Gaul, I am currently cataloging new acquisitions, writing a book proposal, and researching some historic loans. In the Antiquities department, where I curate the later Bronze Age and pre-Roman Iron Age collection from Europe, I am curating a special display that will open in July 2026, re-developing a case in one of the permanent galleries, and preparing for a big Festival of Archaeology day in July. As a curator in a university-based museum, a big part of my job is also conducting research and writing academic papers, and then communicating this research to the public through general lectures and outreach events.

What first sparked your interest in your field of work?

I completed my undergraduate and first Masters degrees in the USA, where I studied fine art and art history. I was lucky to be a volunteer at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where I ended up working for a few years in Collections Management. I worked with a Curator there who taught me more about archaeology and got me really excited about going back to university to pursue this different career path. Now, I specialise in researching prehistoric art, so I've managed to combine all of my degrees and interests.

What challenge/societal problem are you trying to solve/work with as a Curator, and why is it important?

Our heritage is constantly at risk, and it is vital to understanding our shared humanity, so my first concern is preserving and celebrating this resource. I also think all of us working in the heritage sector strive to show how relevant the study of the past is to the present day. Archaeologists are always exploring difficult questions and have the benefit of studying the answers over thousands of years: how did humans respond to climate change in the past? What lessons can we learn from studying resilient landscapes? Archaeology has a lot to contribute to big social challenges.

What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your work/career so far?

I love teaching and sharing my enthusiasm for archaeology. Whether with undergraduate students, interested members of the public, or curious toddlers, it is incredibly rewarding to engage with people about my discipline. I am also a passionate researcher. I don't think I will ever stop having questions that need answering.

Why did you become involved in a LINXS theme?

I am huge fan of collaborating and working with colleagues from other disciplines. I'll work with anyone who is doing interesting things, from particle accelerator physicists to engineers to artists, because I learn a lot from them in the process. Our Heritage Science theme is a great example. I've been so lucky to work with this group – some of us are already working on spin-off projects and will continue to collaborate in the future.

What advice would you give to anyone eager to get into curating/museum work?

Volunteer! I started as a volunteer in a museum and was really lucky to be able to see many different parts of the work that went on inside. I think exposure is key, and you'll learn most by doing. 

Read more about Courtney Nimura

Read more about the Ashmolean Museum

In this newsletter, we share our upcoming events, and news from our thematic activities. We also highlight interviews and initiatives from some of our various theme leaders and members.

Read the newsletter to find out more about our activities, and to stay updated on more opportunities to engage, learn and connect with others.

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In January, the core group got together to plan the work and activities ahead.

“Since the approach is to unite around the phenomenon of self-assembly across many different systems, we spoke about the need to be proactive in enabling discussion between researchers who come from a variety of backgrounds and have different perspectives,” says theme leader Hanna Wacklin-Knecht, Head of Scientific Support at ESS, and Expert in the Physical Chemistry Division at Lund University.

One way to stimulate discussion and network building is through concrete activities. In March, an ice-breaker meeting within WG1: Higher complexity in lipid self-assembly was organised, and another meeting for WG2: Pathways of multi-scale structure formation in macromolecular systems will take place during spring. To these meetings, principal investigators and their students are invited to present their current research, interests and lab facilities. They serve as catalysts for identifying shared research questions to drive forward the work of the theme.

“The idea is to get people to think outside of their own research and identify opportunities for new collaborations,” says Hanna Wacklin-Knecht.

During the kick-off, they also identified other strategic activities for the theme, including organisation of satellite events at the upcoming ESS/ILL joint user meeting, taking place 18 – 20 November in Lund. During this meeting, the core group aims to organise satellite sessions around two key goals for the theme: to further develop analytical models for small angle neutron scattering (SANS) data, and to promote the use of time-resolved quasi-elastic neutron scattering (TR-QENS) to study biological self-assembly.

“To understand self-assembly in complex biological systems, composed of a large number of different constituents that organise themselves at multiple length scales, we need to develop more than analysis software. It requires new conceptual approaches for probing real biological systems, both theoretically and experimentally”, says Hanna Wacklin-Knecht.

A key part of this aim is to develop experimental and data-analysis methodologies for performing new and more complex time-resolved studies; to enable more advanced analyses of how functional biomolecular self-assemblies evolve as the function of time.

“During the months ahead, we will develop activities to support the realisation of these different goals, and the ice-breaker meetings will help steer the next steps for the theme.”

Make LINXS a home for early-career researchers

Another ambition is to actively engage early-career researchers in their theme. Many of the new postdocs employed in the EU-funded postdoc programme AMBER (Advanced Multiscale Biological imaging using European Research infrastructures) focus on research closely related to self-assembly. At ESS, where Hanna Wacklin-Knecht also works, several new postdocs will be starting to develop early science experiments at the facility.

“We would like to make LINXS a connection point and a forum for early career researchers whose work is related to SMILE and more broadly life-science. Especially for the postdocs based at facilities like ESS, since they do not have access to the full academic environment of a university.”

Read more about the kick-off

For Gaia, LINXS represents an ideal environment for developing her research on large-scale scientific research infrastructures as complex environments for knowledge production.

What will you work on during your stay in Lund, Sweden?

During my stay in Lund, I will continue developing my PhD research, which focuses on large-scale scientific research infrastructures as complex environments for knowledge production. In particular, I will work on case studies such as LINXS, MAX IV, and ESS, observing their internal dynamics firsthand.

My work will be twofold: on one side, I will produce materials for science communication and public engagement; on the other, I will conduct interviews and engage in discussions with researchers, technicians, and administrative staff. This will allow me to collect qualitative data directly in the field and better understand how knowledge is produced, organized, and communicated within these environments.

What are your research interests?

My research interests lie at the intersection of architecture, sociology, and phenomenology, with a particular focus on the cognitive processes involved in scientific understanding. I am interested in how space—through its configuration, aesthetics, and internal organization—can influence the comprehension of complex theoretical concepts.

In this sense, I see architecture not merely as a container, but as an active agent that shapes and mediates the production of knowledge.

You come from a social science background, what attracted you to the large-scale facilities?

What attracted me to large-scale infrastructures is their systemic impact. They are not just buildings or research centers, but devices capable of reshaping urban environments and influencing contemporary society.

Over the past decades, many countries have heavily invested in these infrastructures as drivers of development, yet their social and territorial impacts remain only partially explored.

I see them as knowledge ecosystems, where architecture, organisational structures, and scientific practices are deeply intertwined. My goal is to observe and interpret these interactions, also in relation to the broader urban and social contexts in which they are embedded.

Why do you want to spend time at LINXS?

LINXS represents an ideal environment for my research because of its inherently interdisciplinary and international nature. Its proximity to infrastructures such as ESS and MAX IV creates a unique ecosystem in which science develops through dialogue across disciplines.

Moreover, the vision of the Science Village in Lund - focused on promoting science, education, and societal engagement - strongly aligns with my research project. I am particularly interested in exploring how these infrastructures function not only as sites of advanced research, but also as cultural and communicative spaces.

What do you hope you will get out of the visit overall?

First and foremost, I aim to gain practical experience through direct observation and participation in the daily activities of international research infrastructures. This will allow me to develop skills in analysing research spaces and their organizational structures.
At the same time, I hope to strengthen my interdisciplinary and international competencies through engagement with a diverse scientific community.

Another key objective is to deepen my experience in science communication and public engagement by contributing to the organization of seminars, workshops, and public events, including initiatives aimed at schools and educational institutions.

How can LINXS support you in your work?

LINXS can provide essential support by allowing me to actively engage in its scientific and outreach activities. The opportunity to collaborate in organising seminars, workshops, and public events offers a concrete setting to experiment with innovative approaches to science communication.

In addition, involvement in interdisciplinary projects and applied research activities will enable me to closely observe scientific practices and collaborative dynamics, significantly enriching my research trajectory.

“This year, we will focus on outreach to the virology community,” says theme leader Wolfgang Knecht, who is also a senior lecturer at Lund University, SciLife group leader, and Director of the Lund Node of Protein Production Sweden.

Knowledge of large-scale infrastructures such as MAX IV and ESS is still limited within the virology community, explains Wolfgang Knecht. Bridging this gap will therefore be an important focus for the theme, he emphasises.

“Closer relationships between virologists, instrument scientists and other researchers can help accelerate the development of preparedness for pandemics,” says Wolfgang Knecht. “Through collaboration, virologists can start to identify what X-ray and neutron experiments should be performed early in a pandemic, for example.”

Getting to know each other within the theme

During the kick-off, the Institute of Virology at the Philipps University of Marburg in Germany, the Lund University Virus Centre (LUVC), and the Swedish Society for Virology presented their work and focus areas. The Marburg Institute, for example, is a world-leading research institution on the Bunya, Filo- and Arenaviridae viruses.

The aim with the presentations was to increase knowledge about the different organisations involved in the theme, and to kickstart discussions on how to disseminate information about the theme and the capabilities at MAX IV and ESS.

As part of a pre-kickoff, the core group members from Marburg and the LUVC participated in a guided tour of MAX IV and ESS.

“They were completely amazed! It is hard to imagine the scale of the facilities and their instruments from only pictures or drawings,” says Wolfgang Knecht.

Symposium: Knowing and Fighting the virus, 3-4 November at LINXS

These types of physical visits play an important part in creating links between virologists and the infrastructures according to Wolfgang Knecht. Longer and more active visits to MAX IV and ESS will therefore be a prioritised agenda point at the symposium the theme is organising on 3-4 November at LINXS, on the theme of knowing and fighting the virus.

“We have to present what we have here in Lund to get people excited,” says Wolfgang Knecht. “Establishing new relationships and work practices take time. A good start is to create opportunities for virologists to learn more about the facilities first-hand and see them with their own eyes.”

During the symposium, each of the three working groups: WG1: Understanding the virus; WG2: Fighting the virus; and WG3: Complementary and enabling techniques, will organise specific sessions.

After the symposium, the theme will organise further activities. They include inviting large-scale facilities to present what is feasible in terms of setting up experiments and sample environments for viruses at different levels of biosafety.

“Once we have increased awareness of what is currently possible, we can start thinking of what we need to develop to get these types of experiments going!”

Welcoming new members!

Wolfgang Knecht emphasises that the theme is open for anyone, from anywhere in the world, with an interest in virus research and pandemic preparedness and how to incorporate the use of synchrotrons or neutron sources.

“This active matchmaking is rather new, and we are eager to create a lively network! For that, we welcome interested researchers who are willing to invest time in this endeavour,” says Wolfgang Knecht.

Read more about the PandA theme

Read more about the PandA Symposium – Knowing and Fighting the Virus, 3-4 November

LINXS has now been at The Loop for just over a year. The move to our new premises in March 2025 has had a strong impact on LINXS’ mission as an advanced studies institute, developing science frameworks that maximise the opportunities of large-scale research facilities such as MAX IV and ESS and other major centres worldwide.

Since moving to Science Village, LINXS’s premises have been fully booked for everything from large meetings and conferences for our different themes to data analysis workshops, young researchers’ activities, and guest lectures. Throughout the year, LINXS has also hosted numerous guest researchers and provided a superb environment for informal interactions between scientists from different disciplines. 

Director Trevor Forsyth reflects on the past 12-month period as one where LINXS has had increasing impact for the development of large-scale facility science and national and international collaboration. LINXS has further had strong local impact with increasing involvement of university faculties and departments where he notes that there is obvious synergy with facility capabilities and needs - and obvious opportunities afforded by the proximity of Science Village. 

"LINXS is charting a course that will not only facilitate scientific and industrial opportunities in the region and nationally; it is also developing strong international connectivity and empowering educational opportunity for students and next generation researchers. Whether for energy, health, technology or culture, there has never been a more important time to nurture collaboration and complementarity," says Trevor Forsyth, LINXS Director.

Watch a video of LINXS One Year at the Loop!

In February, the theme had a kick-off to design and plan its work.

“The event was such an inspirational source! We needed to meet to discuss what these techniques are capable of and what they can give us in terms of scientific data,” says theme leader Karin Lindkvist, Professor at the Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University.

Overview of what is currently possible

To highlight where the field currently lies for the analysis of clinical samples, four keynote speakers had been invited to give presentations on methods for studying samples connected to airway disease, neurodegenerative disease, metabolic disease and transmittable disease.

Many of the presentations focused on the use of electron microscopy and scattering techniques. These methods have been used to study topics such as actin remodelling in cells, virus replication, and where inhaled substances end up in the lungs. In Sweden, experiments using electron tomography and electron microscopy can be performed in Umeå, at the Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM).

“It was exciting to hear what is already feasible. Now we can build on this research and start thinking about how to explore everything from methodologies and experiment environments to data analysis,” says Karin Lindkvist.

“One concrete goal is to strike up a collaboration with researchers from the Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy, who also attended the kick-off.”

Protein analysis at high resolution presents many challenges

Karin Lindkvist explains that data analysis in particular is a prioritised area for the theme. In contrast to more traditional research on proteins, where researchers purify the protein they are interested in investigating in a controlled environment, the data retrieved from experiments with clinical samples is very complex. This is because the proteins are embedded within the cell or even tissue, making it much more difficult to study protein behaviour and structure. Apart from proteins, cells typically contain water, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and various inorganic ions.

“The analysis of proteins in cells is not trivial! With these techniques you basically see everything, so you need to know what you are looking for. Larger proteins are easier, like ribosomes, but smaller proteins present a big challenge that we hope to explore.”

The new challenges that this field of study presents are also what Karin Lindkvist finds exciting, and part of why she wanted to pursue the theme.

“As a professor in medical structural biology, I see the study of clinical samples at high resolution as the natural next step in developing a better understanding of health and disease. Only studying proteins on their own cannot give us the full picture of how certain diseases develop or how cell changes upon disease.”

More data on proteins in clinical samples can make prediction models better

She is confident that within ten years, it will be possible to study a range of different clinical samples at large-scale facilities such as MAX IV and ESS and in research environments as the one in Umeå. With more data from these experiments, programmes such as AlphaFold, which predict protein structure and behaviour will also become better.

“If we can provide data on how proteins function in their natural environment, we can support the development of more accurate prediction models. In time, it can make a big difference for our knowledge of how for example diabetes, neurodegenerative disease or lung disease.”

Read more about the kickoff

Read more about the SHINE theme (Scattering and Imaging for Health Insights and New Evidence)