The 2025 topical exchange on “Research Infrastructures: Synergies, Complementarities,
Data Analysis, Access Modes”, held during the Journées françaises de la Diffusion des
Neutrons (JDN2025), gathered leaders and users from neutron and non-neutron facilities,
along with experts in data, AI, and community support. Discussions focused on aligning
facility roadmaps with user needs, developing new collaboration models such as thematic
science hubs, evolving access modes to balance excellence and inclusivity, and
embedding societal impact and sustainability into strategic planning.
Key priorities identified include strengthening cross-facility coordination, harmonising
FAIR data and metadata standards, integrating AI into experimental workflows, and
fostering flexible, interdisciplinary access models. These actions are essential to maintain
Europe’s scientific competitiveness, maximise the impact of investments, and address
global challenges—from energy storage and medical technologies to environmental
sustainability—through more agile, collaborative, and data-driven research
infrastructures.