The ILL is a world leader in neutron science and technology. Its high-flux reactor delivers the most intense neutron beams to the largest instrument suite in the world, serving a large community of researchers – both academic and industrial. Neutrons are a unique and powerful probe of materials and processes. ILL' s suite of over 40 state-of-the-art instruments, complemented by a comprehensive suite of labs and scientific support services, enables cutting-edge research across a wide range of scientific domains, including physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science. Working closely with industry, the ILL develops an impactful program addressing societal challenges in key areas such as health, energy, the environment, quantum materials and information technologies.

The ILL hosts researchers mainly from its 13 stakeholder countries in Europe, with 10% coming from about 30 other countries. In total, there are about 2500 researcher visits each year. ILL also funds and hosts PhD students and is involved in numerous European programmes for science, innovation and advanced training. The ILL plays a central role in the ecosystem of European research facilities and is a Landmark Facility on the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) Roadmap.