Momentum Transfer expands open science database with materials datasets through EU-funded OSCARS initiative
March 4, 2025
Momentum Transfer, a platform for materials characterisation based in Mannheim, Germany, has announced the successful completion of the first phase of its open Materials Scattering Network database, developed under the EU-funded OSCARS project. This milestone includes 500 high-quality diffraction patterns contributed by researchers worldwide. Building on this success, Momentum Transfer is launching an initiative to expand the database to 20,000 high-fidelity datasets across diverse material classes.
The OSCARS database is designed to accelerate materials research and development by providing open access to high-quality materials characterisation data. Contributions from scientists worldwide already span a diverse range of materials, including minerals, metals, metal oxides, and organic compounds. This initiative marks a significant step forward in democratising access to critical data for the global research community.
“The response from the scientific community has been extraordinary,” said Dr Sebastian Winkler, Chief Executive Officer of Momentum Transfer. “This level of engagement demonstrates the critical need for accessible, high-quality materials characterisation data to drive scientific discovery and industrial innovation.”
Dr Bernd Hinrichsen, Chief Science Officer at Momentum Transfer, shared, “The combination of high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction and total scattering measurements offers unparalleled insights into both crystalline and amorphous materials. By making this data openly available, we aim to significantly advance global materials science research.”
Dr Christina Birkel, a contributing researcher from Arizona State University, added, “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.”
The expanded initiative, co-funded by the European Union and Momentum Transfer, will provide free X-ray diffraction and total scattering measurements for 10,000 samples under ambient conditions at the ESRF synchrotron. Researchers worldwide are invited to contribute up to five samples each and will receive both high-resolution powder diffraction data and total scattering for pair distribution function (PDF) analysis.
Key benefits of participation include:
- Free access to synchrotron-quality measurements
- Complete data ownership during research and publication
- Integration into the OSCARS database post-publication
- Opportunities for global collaboration
Researchers are encouraged to analyse the data and publish their findings before the datasets are added to the OSCARS database. The programme is open to both academic researchers and industry professionals.
Interested researchers can apply here.
