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Collaboration between industry and academia
Big Science encompasses large-scale scientific research projects that require advanced research facilities. Examples include particle accelerators, space telescopes and other complex research infrastructures. Developing, building and operating these facilities requires close collaboration between science and industry. This collaboration is at the heart ofBSBF2026. The Netherlands and Belgium are jointly organising the fourth edition of this biennial conference. Ten major European research organisations, including CERN, ESA and ESO, will present their future projects, technological requirements and procurement procedures. Together, these organisations represent more than €25 billion in planned investments.
Programme
The programme covers a wide range of technological fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), conventional and superconducting magnets, big data and cooling technology. In addition to parallel and plenary sessions, participants will have opportunities to meet technical experts and procurement officers, as well as companies already active in Big Science..
Registration for BSBF2026
Interested in attending BSBF2026? Register via BSBF2026.org. Here you will also find the full programme, practical information and an overview of the sponsors.
About BSBF2026
Following previous editions in Trieste, Copenhagen and Granada, the Big Science Business Forum is now taking place in the Netherlands for the first time. More than 1,200 participants from over 500 companies and scientific organisations across thirty countries are expected in Maastricht.
NWO-I is involved in BSBF2026 through BigScience.NL. BigScience.NL is an initiative of the NWO institutes and forms a network of Dutch Industrial Liaison Officers (ILOs). They facilitate connections between Dutch companies and international research organisations.
You can read more about this on the BigScience.NL page on this website.
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Credits organisatie BSBF