Lund, in southern Sweden, will host the European Spallation Source. This was announcement that followed the meeting between European research ministers ahead of Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels last week, 28th May. At the meeting, seven nations, including France and Germany, stated their support for the Lund site, while Italy and Switzerland stated they would follow the majority.

International media has responded to the decision and the well renowned magazine Nature writes:

- Sweden appears to have won and Lund will play host to European Spallation Source

Distinguished Physics World writes:

- Sweden will host Europe’s next-generation neutron facility that, once built, will be the most powerful source of neutrons in the world

The ESS Preparatory Phase project (a project within European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme with the overall goal to prepare for the construction and the operation of ESS) has sent out a press release saying:

- The world’s most powerful neutron source should be built in Lund, Sweden, it has been announced by EU Research Ministers

The site decision allows the Scandinavian candidacy to move ahead into the construction phase and the cooperation between the three current competitors can now begin for real. Nature Magazine stresses the possibilities to create a win-win-situation, and to shape the cooperation in a way that all three candidates benefit. The knowledge gained in the three consortia, ESS Scandinavia, ESS Bilbao and ESS Hungary, as well as the expertise that exists all around Europe, will be vital for a successful construction of the ESS.

The articles can be found here:

Nature

Physics World

Press release from ESS Preparatory Phase Project