Nowadays, fundamental scientific research and revolutionary high-tech developments around the world concentrates in research centers formed around unique mega-science research facilities - synchrotron radiation and neutron sources. In these facilities scientists can perform high-level research by using a variety of complementary methods that provide them with the most complete overview of physical, chemical and biological phenomena and effects under study. In these centers they can also develop unique technological processes for manufacturing of functional systems and their components in the conditions of experimental and further industrial production. Kurchatov Complex for Synchrotron and Neutron Investigations is among few places in the world that gathers at the same site research reactor, synchrotron radiation facility, laboratory with advanced X-ray instrumentation and mega-class supercomputer for modeling and data processing. This unique combination of capabilities helps to achieve a brand new quality of fundamental and applied research.

Today, the “KISI-Kurchatov” research infrastructure consists of 16 beamlines of various research directions, from physics, chemistry, biology research to applied developments in materials science, medicine, archeology and cultural heritage. Beamlines are equipped with sophisticated state-of-art X-ray optical facilities, vacuum chambers, detectors and up-to-date control systems. A substantial modernization of the existing beamlines is underway, as well as commissioning of 5 new beamlines. More than 200 experiments are provided annually by “KISI-Kurchatov” for the research groups from approximately 60 Russian and foreign organizations, in numerous research fields including structural diagnostics of nanotechnology and microelectronics materials; studies of atomic structure of organic and biological objects for genetic engineering, biotechnology and design of new drugs; studies of cultural heritage and archaeological samples, etc. Each year Kurchatov Synchrotron is involved in more than 150 research papers.

A complex of laboratory X-ray instrumentation is designed to perform express analysis of atomic and molecular structure of user samples. It complements capabilities of the synchrotron beamlines, provides an option to perform preliminary study of user samples and to trial experimental techniques before their implementation at megascience facilities.

The neutron research complex is based on the IR-8 nuclear reactor commissioned in 1981. It is designed for scientific research in various fields of physics, chemistry and medicine using neutrons in a wide range of wavelengths and various research techniques. The complex is equipped with 6 experimental stations. The research reactor IR-8is included in the federal register of unique scientific facilities, as well as synchrotron radiation facility “KISI-Kurchatov”.

Today, the megascience facilities of Kurchatov Complex for Synchrotron and Neutron Investigations are the metrological basis for the development of the new scientific field related to the convergence of nano-, bio-, information, cognitive and socio-humanitarian (NBIСS) sciences within the walls of NRC “Kurchatov Institute” and the formation of fundamentally new nature-like technologies.