Events

The NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) hosts a variety of annual events, from competitive proposal calls to student internship deadlines and federal oversight reviews. Use this page to track key dates for the current calendar year.

• Beam Time & Proposals
• Educational & Training Programs
• Oversight & Reviews

Beam Time & Proposals

Access to NCNR instrumentation is primarily granted through a peer-reviewed proposal process managed by the Beam Time Allocation Committee (BTAC).

Call for Proposals (Semi-Annual)

The NCNR issues two formal calls for proposals each year for the general user program and CHRNS instruments.

• Next Call: July 30, 2026
• URL: https://www.nist.gov/ncnr/call-proposals

Educational & Training Programs

NCNR is committed to training the next generation of neutron scientists through intensive summer schools and structured internships.

CHRNS Summer School on Neutron Scattering (Annual)

A week-long program focusing on specific neutron techniques (e.g., SANS, Reflectometry, or Spectroscopy).

• Application Deadline: March 9, 2026; Applications are closed.
• Event Dates: July 27 – 31, 2026
• Location: NCNR Facility, Gaithersburg, MD.
• URL: https://www.nist.gov/ncnr/chrns/education-and-outreach/chrns-summer-school-neutron-scattering

Student Internship Deadlines (SHIP, SURF, & CORE)

NCNR participates in NIST-wide summer programs. Applications are typically managed through USAJobs.gov.

• SHIP (High School Students): January; The 2026 SHIP vacancy announcement is closed.
  • URL: https://www.nist.gov/ship
• SURF (Undergraduate Students): January; The 2026 SURF vacancy announcements are closed.
  • URL: https://www.nist.gov/surf
• CORE (Undergraduate Students): Rolling Basis; Applications must be submitted 3 months in advance of the proposed start date.
  • URL: https://www.nist.gov/ncnr/chrns/education-and-outreach/chrns-outreach-and-research-experience-core

Oversight & Reviews

NCNR maintains transparency and excellence through regular on-site reviews by the National Science Foundation and other governing bodies.

NSF Oversight Review (CHRNS)

As a joint NIST-NSF facility, CHRNS undergoes an annual or biennial oversight review to assess facility impact and user satisfaction.

• Next Scheduled Review: TBD
• Format: On-site presentations, facility tours, and user community interviews.