HFML-FELIX continues as NWO Institute within national partnership
Laser and magnet lab HFML-FELIX, known worldwide as a unique research facility, will continue within a large national partnership consisting of Radboud University, NWO and six other Dutch universities.
In this capacity, HFML-FELIX will continue as an NWO Institute and become part of the Foundation for Dutch Scientific Research Institutes NWO-I from 1 January 2025.
Strong national research programme
This means that HFML-FELIX is assured of structural funding for the next ten years. Together they will work on a strong national research program, which will allow the lab to continue to make a significant contribution to scientific progress and solving societal issues.
Cooperation signed on 20 December 2024
To celebrate the new collaboration together, an official signing ceremony will take place on 20 December 2024 at 13.00 hours at HFML-FELIX in Nijmegen. NWO, Radboud University and the six other university partners will be present.
About HFML-FELIX: magnets and lasers
At HFML-FELIX, groundbreaking research is carried out on the properties and behavior of (new) materials and molecules. This is achieved by exposing them to extreme conditions, including very high magnetic fields and powerful free electron lasers. It is the only place in the world where these two techniques can also be combined.
In doing so, HFML-FELIX contributes to important research fields, including material science, medicine and astronomy. For example, by enabling the early detection of diseases, uncovering the mysteries of atmospheres around other planets, or finding new materials with promising properties such as graphene. The lab also works on innovations needed for the energy transition.
A scientific pearl on the river Waal
Current director at HFML-FELIX Britta Redlich has done a lot of work within recent years to make this collaboration possible. 'It is great to see how the unique technology developed here has already contributed to scientific breakthroughs and solutions to societal issues,' says Redlich. 'We are extremely happy to move forward with our new partners. Thanks to this collaboration, we can create a nationally aligned, long-term strategy that will also make us strong internationally.'
Join forces
Marcel Levi, president of the Executive Board of NWO: 'It fits into NWO's mission to support unique large scientific infrastructures that are important for the entire national research field. It is therefore great to join forces with university partners and make HFML-FELIX an institute. With this, we attract researchers from here and abroad to carry out groundbreaking research together that is essential for answering new knowledge questions.'
Rector Magnificus of Radboud University José Sanders: 'Thanks to the cooperation between the seven universities involved and NWO, HFML-FELIX in Nijmegen can have lasting significance for fundamental research and innovation.'
Radboud University, Delft University of Technology, Maastricht University, University of Twente, University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, University of Groningen and NWO look forward to working together as partners on the future of this extraordinary research institute.