Green light to extend ILL operations until 2033

27/05/2025
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The Institut Laue-Langevin has just received a firm commitment from its Associate countries, France, the UK and Germany, to continue operation until 2033. “We have been working very hard to secure a unanimous commitment from all three Associate countries and are delighted with the decision,” says ILL Director, Ken Andersen, “The ILL is now in a position to plan scientific operation until the end of 2033.”

The 6th Protocol – extending the original 1967 Intergovernmental Convention for a further 10-year period, from 2024 to 2033, and representing a global investment of about €1bn – was signed by the governments of the Associate countries in 2021. However, operation beyond the end of 2030 was subject to later approval, which has now been granted by the three governments. Having this decision now is crucial, as preparation processes are lengthy and complex.

A symbol of European collaboration and excellence, the ILL was founded in Grenoble in 1967 by France and Germany, who were joined a few years later by the UK. Today, a further 10 Scientific Member countries help fund the ILL for the benefit of their research communities: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The three Associate countries contribute roughly 75% of the ILL’s budget, with the Scientific Member countries providing most of the remaining amount.

For more information, click on the link: https://www.ill.eu/infos-presse-evenements/general-news/green-light-to-extend-ill-operations-until-2033