Neutron scattering is a versatile probe used to study the structure and dynamics of materials. It has particular relevance to the investigation of ceramics and has been used in their study since neutron scattering was first developed almost sixty years ago. This review will focus on the relative merits of neutron scattering compared to other microscopic probes, with particular reference to ceramic materials, and will illustrate the uses of neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering in various key fields of ceramic research. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.