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. As of 1 January 2025, HFML-FELIX will be part of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes NWO-I as an NWO institute.
This means that HFML-FELIX is assured of structural funding for the next ten years. Together, we will work on a strong national research programme, with which the lab can continue to make an important contribution to scientific progress and solving social issues.
Joining forces
Marcel Levi, chairman of the board of NWO:
It fits in with NWO's mission to support unique large scientific infrastructures that are important for the entire national research field. It is therefore fantastic to join forces with the university partners and turn HFML-FELIX into an institute. In this way, we attract researchers from the Netherlands and abroad to jointly carry out groundbreaking research that is essential for answering new knowledge questions.
At HFML-FELIX, groundbreaking research is conducted into the properties and behaviour 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 materials science, medicine and astronomy. For example, with research into the early detection of diseases, the composition of atmospheres around planets, or the discovery of new materials with promising properties such as graphene. Innovations that are needed for the energy transition are also being worked on.
A scientific pearl on the Waal
Current director at HFML-FELIX Britta Redlich has done a lot of work in recent years to ensure that this collaboration is successfully established. ‘It is wonderful to see how the unique technology developed here has already contributed to scientific breakthroughs and solutions for social issues’, says Redlich. ‘We are extremely pleased that we can continue this with our new partners. Thanks to this collaboration, we can create a nationally coordinated, long-term strategy that will also put us in a strong position internationally.’
The official signing of the new collaboration took place on 20 December. NWO, Radboud University and the six other university partners were present. 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 special research institute.
