The aim of the project is to further strengthen the scientific excellence and innovative capacity of the ELI Beamlines research centre by developing cooperation in the field of research, development and innovation with Swiss partners, specifically the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), as well as other Swiss organisations involved in research and technology. Through joint technology development and the expansion of the user base, the project will contribute to enhancing competitiveness within the European Research Area (ERA) and create the potential for long-term collaboration.
Cooperation is carried out bilaterally through three joint work packages (WPs) focusing on:
Technology development: Implementation of three mini-projects (TREX, LUSTER, EMPANADE) focused on the development of advanced detectors and diagnostics for time-resolved X-ray experiments, compact electron accelerators and laser-controlled hadron therapy. This constitutes the main component of the project.
- Expansion of the user programme: Provision of targeted support (including the modernisation of instruments and funding for travel and accommodation) with the aim of increasing the participation of Swiss research teams in ELI ERIC user calls between 2025 and 2028.
- Education and innovation: The introduction of an internal Proof of Concept (PoC) programme to support 2–5 innovative ideas per year, alongside an expanded programme of internships and mobility opportunities for Czech and Swiss students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) and staff.
Target groups and potential impacts
The project is open to universities, research organisations, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and technology transfer specialists.
One of the programme’s main positive impacts is the acceleration of the transfer of scientific knowledge into practical industrial applications. Furthermore, the joint development of high-dose radiation detectors in collaboration with CHUV will directly contribute to progress in the field of so-called FLASH radiotherapy, which will pave the way for significantly faster, more precise and gentler treatment of cancer patients in the future.
Abstract and Project Objectives
The cooperation between ELI and Swiss organizations involved in a project is based on a previous collaboration for research and technical development but aims to expand the cooperation in scope of activities and including broader range of relevant organizations with compatible RDI capabilities. Expected results of the project include:
- Expand the scope of research opportunities and enhance technical competitiveness of ELI Beamlines by initiating joint research projects and co-developing specialized detectors and diagnostics across the facility’s three experimental areas;
- Increase the user base by supporting the implementation of Swiss research organizations’ experiments at ELI;
- Facilitate the exchange of knowledge between ELI, PSI, CHUV, and other Swiss RDI organizations to open new collaborative opportunities and increase research collaboration through joint technology development and delivery of experiments;
- Reinforce ELI’s human capital, particularly in the areas of detector and diagnostics development and innovation, by facilitating knowledge transfer and collaborative training with Swiss research entities;
- Expand the Internships and Mobility Program offering Czech and Swiss students at the BSc, MSc, and PhD levels hands-on experience at world-class laser research facilities, fostering early-career development and international collaboration;
- Establish an internal Proof of Concept (PoC) program to encourage and support innovative ideas from ELI scientists and technicians, increasing the institution’s ability to translate research into practical applications;
Strengthen existing and initiate new partnerships with Swiss research organizations in the fields of laser technology and photon science, promoting shared advancements and scientific excellence.
