The Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) operates instruments at leading national and international sources: at the FRM II research reactor in Garching, Germany, at the high-flux reactor at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, and at the first megawatt-class (MW) spallation source, SNS, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA. These instruments are made available for external users to conduct experiments by means of a procedure whereby proposals are reviewed by an independent group of experts. Thus, JCNS offers its users access to state-of-the-art neutron instruments under consistent experimental conditions at the neutron source, providing an optimal environment for each individual experiment undertaken. JCNS provides 17 specialized neutron spectrometers at the world's top neutron sources, thus providing its users with outstanding quality. In addition, JCNS serves as the organizational framework for Forschungszentrum Jülich's globally-recognized development programme for methods and instruments, as well as for its own research programmes in the field of Matter and Key Technologies.

The special role of JCNS in neutron research in Germany is based on its own consistent research programme, which relies on neutron-scattering methods in the areas of soft condensed and biological matter, as well as on nanomagnetism and highly correlated electron systems. In both areas, JCNS pursues (i) neutron instrumentation at the cutting edge of science and technology, based on a rigorous method development programme; (ii) the operation and development of specialized, and, in some cases, unique sample environments; (iii) the development of appropriate data reduction and modelling programmes; (iv) a clear scientific profile of those in charge of its instruments; (v) the provision of complementary techniques and supplementary laboratory facilities for preparing and characterizing samples. Finally, within Germany, JCNS leads the way in exploiting new opportunities for research with neutrons at the MW spallation sources.