Promoting materials research, advancing open science
Momentum Transfer, a materials characterisation platform based in Mannheim, Germany, has successfully completed the first phase of its open Materials Scattering Network database. Developed as part of the EU-funded OSCARS(opens in new window) project, the database will help to speed up materials research and development by offering open access to high-quality materials characterisation data. This action is expected to play an important role in democratising access to crucial data for the international research community. Now included are 500 high-quality diffraction patterns contributed by researchers from around the world. These contributions currently cover a wide range of materials, including minerals, metals, metal oxides and organic compounds. Next, Momentum Transfer plans to further expand the database to host 20 000 high-fidelity datasets across diverse material classes. “The response from the scientific community has been extraordinary,” states Momentum Transfer CEO Sebastian Winkler in a ‘Metal Powder Technology’ news item(opens in new window). “This level of engagement demonstrates the critical need for accessible, high-quality materials characterisation data to drive scientific discovery and industrial innovation.” Bernd Hinrichsen, Chief Science Officer at Momentum Transfer, remarks on the “unparalleled insights into both crystalline and amorphous materials” made possible by combining high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction and total scattering measurements. “By making this data openly available, we aim to significantly advance global materials science research,” he adds. One of the institutions benefiting from access to the platform is Arizona State University in the United States. Christina Birkel, a contributing researcher from the university, explains: “Access to synchrotron-quality data through Momentum Transfer’s platform has accelerated our research capabilities tremendously. This has enabled a significant big-picture study on functional materials that would not have been possible otherwise. Besides, the data are excellent training and learning opportunities for students who are working with diffraction techniques and solid-state compounds. The OSCARS database is set to become an invaluable resource for the entire materials science community.” Under the expanded initiative, free X-ray diffraction and total scattering measurements will be provided for 10 000 samples under ambient conditions at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Researchers can contribute up to five samples. Participants(opens in new window) in the initiative will enjoy free access to synchrotron-quality measurements, complete data ownership during research and publication, and opportunities for global collaboration. Their research will also be integrated into the OSCARS database post-publication.
Calling for open science projects
The OSCARS project has now also launched its second open call(opens in new window) for open science projects and services. The aim is to support researchers in carrying out FAIR – findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability – data analysis and providing a series of new scientific results and services. Projects can be proposed in the field of any of the following five science clusters: humanities and social sciences; life sciences; environmental sciences; photon and neutron science; and astronomy, nuclear and particle physics. Successful proposals will each receive between EUR 100 000 and EUR 250 000 in a lump sum, and will have up to 24 months to complete their project. OSCARS (O.S.C.A.R.S. - Open Science Clusters’ Action for Research and Society) has also made a video available online to help interested researchers prepare for the open call. The application deadline is 14 May 2025. For more information, please see: OSCARS project website(opens in new window)
Keywords
OSCARS, open science, material, materials characterisation, database, diffraction, scattering, open call, data, open access