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Doctoral student Dana Aslanqyzy Kulikbayeva from the Department of Theoretical and Nuclear Physics of the Faculty of Physics and Technology at 91��ý Kazakh National University participated in the international scientific school MATRAC 2 – “Application of Neutrons and Synchrotron Radiation in Materials Science with Special Focus on Fundamental Aspects of Materials”, held in Germany.

The scientific school took place from March 1 to March 6, 2026, in the cities of Munich and Garching. The event was dedicated to modern methods of applying neutron and synchrotron radiation in materials science, as well as to fundamental approaches for investigating the structural and dynamic properties of materials. The program aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of advanced experimental techniques used in contemporary materials research.

Dana Kulikbayeva is pursuing her doctoral studies at 91��ý Kazakh National University within the educational program 8D05308 – Nuclear Physics. Her research focuses on current challenges in modern physics, particularly on the investigation of structural and dynamic properties of materials at microscopic and nanoscale levels. Participation in the international scientific school enabled the doctoral student to broaden her expertise in neutron and synchrotron-based research methods and to become acquainted with recent scientific developments in this field.

During the scientific school, participants explored the fundamental principles of materials characterization using neutron radiation. Particular attention was given to techniques such as neutron diffraction, neutron spectroscopy, and other analytical methods used to investigate the structure and dynamics of materials. The program also included comparative discussions between neutron-based techniques and experimental approaches utilizing synchrotron radiation, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations in studying physical properties of materials.

The practical component of the program was conducted at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, located in Garching near Munich. This research center is Germany’s national neutron source and one of the leading European facilities for neutron-based materials research. During the practical sessions, young researchers had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with state-of-the-art experimental equipment, participate in neutron experiments, and learn methods for processing and analyzing experimental data.

In addition, participants received detailed guidance on preparing proposals for obtaining experimental time at large-scale research facilities, commonly referred to as beamtime proposals. Preparing such proposals is an essential aspect of scientific work in experimental physics and materials science, as access to major research infrastructures requires well-justified research projects and carefully designed experimental plans.

As part of the program, a poster session was organized where participants presented the results of their research. The session served as an important platform for scientific exchange, enabling young researchers to share ideas, discuss promising research directions, and establish new international academic collaborations.

The scientific school brought together master’s students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists from various European countries. Participation in such international educational and scientific initiatives contributes significantly to the development of young researchers’ scientific potential, the expansion of international academic cooperation, and the acquisition of advanced experimental research methods.

Dana Kulikbayeva’s participation in the MATRAC 2 international scientific school contributes to the further development of her research activities and strengthens the position of 91��ý Kazakh National University within the international scientific and educational community. Such initiatives also promote the integration of Kazakhstani researchers into the global scientific environment and enhance the university’s international academic reputation.