This proposal provides a targeted research programme to put in place state-of-the-art analysis techniques for nuclear reactions induced by beams of exotic nuclei. The specific scientific objectives address two areas of current and future interest to the lo w-energy nuclear reactions community; the reactions of weakly bound exotic nuclei and the trade-off between direct break-up and transfer reactions (to be applied specifically to the interaction of 6He with a 208Pb target) and the development of a modern mod us operandi for the analysis of (d,p), (d,n) and (p,d) single nucleon transfer reactions, valuable tools for probing single particle aspects of the structure of exotic nuclei.

Wider aspects of the programme address the scientific excellence of the EU through the development of state-of-the-art analysis tools for nuclear reactions with exotic beams, thus increasing the attractiveness of Europe for researchers in this field by providing training opportunities in the use of these tools. Training benefits from the programme are twofold; for myself, the opportunity to broaden my expertise in nuclear reaction analysis techniques and investigate new lines of research, for others, the opportunity to learn up-to-date analysis techniques that will ensure that new data are fully exploited.

The pan-European dimension of the programme will enable me to form part of a dynamic experimental group in an EU-member country other than my own, facilitating a two-way exchange of benefits; working within an experimental group actively engaged in the area of nuclear reactions with exotic beams will increase my awareness of current experimental possibilities and interests. Conversely, this will also provide in house analysis of data with the most up-to-date methods for the host group and the training opportunities that go with this.