Learn more about Jitendra Mata, Guest Researcher at LINXS!

Jitendra Matra is a guest researcher at LINXS during the month of May, through a close collaboration with ESS, as part of the Northern Lights on Food theme. He is Associate professor and Instrument Scientist at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS), and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

In this short interview, he highlights the aims with his stay, and what attracted him to LINXS.

What attracted you to LINXS?

I am drawn to LINXS because it is a prestigious institute dedicated to advancing science and education through the use of neutrons and X-rays. LINXS aims to attract leading scientists for short-term research visits and foster international networks. Among the various remarkable themes at LINXS, the Northern Lights on Food (NLF) theme is particularly exciting for me. It integrates food science with advanced characterisation methods using neutrons and X-rays, aiming to generate new knowledge and cutting-edge technology. This initiative aligns perfectly with my expertise and research interests in neutron scattering and its applications in food materials and soft matter science.

The NLF theme team shares similar research interests, making this opportunity at LINXS an ideal match for me. Moreover, LINXS is not only committed to facilitating the use of X-ray and neutron techniques but also serves as a gateway for the interactions with researchers from Lund University, various industries, startups, the European Spallation Source (ESS), and the MAX IV (next-generation synchrotron radiation facility). Being at LINXS feels like being at the centre of a knowledge explosion!

What have you done during your time at LINXS?

Jitendra Mata is Associate professor and Instrument Scientist at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS), and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

During my time at LINXS, I have engaged with members of the NLF theme through both informal interactions and structured activities such as lab visits and group meetings. My objective is to learn about the ongoing research within the LINXS community and share my own insights. I aim to identify areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration, particularly utilising small and ultra-small angle X-ray and neutron scattering techniques (SAXS, SANS, USAXS, and USANS).

My guest lecture, organised by ESS-LINXS, provided an opportunity to showcase my research and highlight the capabilities of the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS) at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). I am also invited to give a talk at the Northern Lights on Food – V conference, which LINXS is co-organising. This will be an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded experts in food science, particularly in the area of milk research.

I believe that utilising large-scale infrastructure offers significant advantages to industry researchers. Neutron and X-ray techniques are particularly valuable for providing knowledge that can help develop innovative products and processes. These methods are crucial for designing alternative food sources that are not only healthy but also capable of sustaining a growing population while mitigating the adverse environmental effects of food production. Those of us working with large-scale research infrastructures can offer critical insights into the relationships between structure, function, and processing. This knowledge is invaluable for the food industry and other researchers, driving innovation and progress.

What do you hope to gain from your stay?

During my stay at LINXS, I aim to achieve several objectives. Firstly, through my ESS-LINXS guest lecture, I hope to connect with individuals interested not only in food structural research but also in complex soft matter systems more broadly. By attending the LINXS-organised NLF-V conference, I plan to network with many researchers and explore potential collaborations. Additionally, I look forward to meeting colleagues at ESS, MAX IV, and Lund University to exchange ideas and assist with projects, particularly those involving SAXS, SANS, USAXS, and USANS data.

I also aim to provide an overview of the facilities at the ANSTO, informing researchers who might want to utilise X-ray or neutron scattering techniques before ESS becomes fully operational. My primary goal is to initiate new collaborative research projects that could lead to long-term partnerships supported by grants and joint students. Furthermore, I look forward to experiencing life in Lund, meeting new researchers, and exchanging ideas that could advance my work and that of others at LINXS. These goals will help me maximise the benefits of my stay at LINXS, contributing to both my personal research and the broader scientific community.

What are your research interests, in connection to X-ray and neutron research?

My research focuses on the structural characterisation of complex soft materials with industrial relevance, such as surfactant and block copolymer solutions, emulsions, food proteins, hydrogels, and minerals. I am particularly interested in using advanced scattering techniques, including SAXS, USAXS, SANS, and USANS, to study these materials. These techniques allow for detailed analysis of structure, size, shape, and morphology, providing insights into processes like aggregation, crystallisation, and phase separation.

In particular, my work in milk protein science is highly relevant. This project, conducted in collaboration with CSIRO Australia and RMIT University, involves investigating the structural properties of milk proteins using these advanced scattering techniques. This research aims to understand better the functional properties of milk proteins, which has significant implications for food science and the dairy industry.

How would you like LINXS to support you?

I am keen on networking and collaborating with as many researchers as possible. I am open to discussing any research ideas, even those outside my primary focus, and I am willing to give talks and presentations to share my expertise. I am particularly looking forward to spending time at ESS and Lund University to further my research horizon, as LINXS's position (both scientifically and geographically) makes this possible. This aligns well with my extensive experience and interests, making my stay at LINXS potentially very impactful for both my research and the LINXS community.

I would also like to understand LINXS's future direction and upcoming themes to gain insights into what lies ahead. Engaging with LINXS staff and stakeholders is crucial in this regard. Additionally, I am interested in exploring how we can enhance the interaction between LINXS and ANSTO, fostering stronger collaborations and mutual benefits.

These opportunities for networking, collaboration, and engagement with cutting-edge facilities and future planning will significantly support my research and contribute to the broader scientific community at LINXS.