The Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium, CERIC-ERIC, celebrated its 10th anniversary on 21 November in Brussels. The event provided a unique opportunity to discuss research infrastructure policies and recall the steps that led to the establishment of the Consortium, highlighting the impacts CERIC-ERIC has had – and continues to have – on the participating countries and the European Research Area (ERA). (Credits: CERIC-ERIC) The meeting, which took place from 9:00 to 13:00 at NH Grand Sablon, was opened by Ambassador Stefano Verrecchia (Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the EU) and other representatives and was divided into two panels. The discussion brought together representatives of the European Commission, EU Member States, leading European institutions, and research infrastructures. The first panel, titled “Research Infrastructure Policies: Reflections and Future Directions,” focused on the achievements and impacts of research and technological infrastructures and European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs), including CERIC-ERIC. The panel explored ways to further enhance their effectiveness, including policies at national and European levels. “The establishment of this Consortium was conceived by the governments of Central and Eastern European countries,” explained Carlo Rizzuto, Chair of the CERIC-ERIC General Assembly, “to reduce disparities between East and West in the research infrastructure field and ensure the competitive growth of excellent research in this part of Europe.” (Credits: CERIC-ERIC) The second panel, titled “Advances in Science at CERIC: Achievements and Future Potential,” showcased CERIC-ERIC’s scientific accomplishments and impacts over the past decade and discussed the challenges and opportunities that will shape its future. “Since its foundation, CERIC-ERIC has significantly increased the scientific productivity and quality in its member countries,” commented Jana Kolar, Executive Director of the Consortium, “enhanced research capacities, supported technological innovations, and fostered collaboration across the EU. By supporting excellent, diverse, and meaningful research, we are proud to contribute to scientific excellence and innovation across Europe.” (Credits: CERIC-ERIC) More information about the event can be found at https://www.ceric-eric.eu/events/10-years-of-ceric/. CERIC-ERIC is a European research infrastructure consortium, established by the European Commission and the governments of eight countries in 2014. It offers researchers and industry access to more than 60 experimental analytical and synthesis techniques at advanced research facilities in eight Central and Eastern European countries and associated institutions. This supports multidisciplinary research at the micro- and nano-level in advanced materials, biomaterials, and nanotechnology. At CERIC facilities, materials can be analyzed, and their structure investigated by combining techniques using electrons, ions, neutrons, and photons. Access to CERIC’s services is provided through international calls for proposals, offering free access to multiple techniques and rewarding the best projects, provided their results are open and published. Commercial access for proprietary research and technology transfer support is also available. The Czech Republic is involved in the CERIC-ERIC consortium through the large research infrastructure SPL-HTC. SPL-HTC (Surface Physics Laboratory – Hydrogen Technology Centre), hosted by Charles University, is a large research infrastructure dedicated to the study of surfaces and surface phenomena. Since 2023, its scope has expanded to include research and testing of materials for hydrogen technologies. It combines the Surface Physics Laboratory (SPL) in Prague with the Materials Science Beamline (MSB) in Trieste, Italy, and is complemented by the Hydrogen Technology Centre (HTC) in Prague. Through CERIC-ERIC, SPL-HTC provides access to researchers from all around the world. SPL-HTC was rated as excellent in the international peer-review assessment of large research infrastructures in both 2017 and 2021 and is included in the Czech Republic’s Roadmap of Large Research Infrastructures for the period 2023–2026. Additionally, for 2023–2026, it will receive funding of approximately CZK 69 million from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. CONTACTS: CERIC Press Office: press@ceric-eric.eu Marcello Turconi: marcello.turconi@ceric-eric.eu
In the presence of Her Excellency Ms Jarmila Povejšilová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Argentina, her deputy Filip Kanda and the Head of Unit for Research Infrastructures of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic Marek Vyšinka, the Director of the Institute of Physics Michael Prouza signed an agreement to extend the operation of the Pierre Auger Observatory for another 10 years. The Pierre Auger Observatory is the largest cosmic ray detector in the world, covering an area of 3000 km². Its operation and scientific data analyses require involvement of over 400 scientists from 17 countries. The observatory’s goal is to study the most energetic particles in the Universe – ultra-high energy cosmic rays. Until the end of 2021, the Pierre Auger Observatory was collecting data in an old configuration consisting of water surface stations and an optical fluorescence detector, which the Czech Republic had a major role in building and operating. The data from the first phase changed our understanding of the phenomena associated with the most energetic processes in the Universe. Author: RNDr. Petr Trávníček, Ph.D. Press release
The Czech Republic strengthens its position in global laser science by hosting ELI ERIC, as Czech leaders encourage international collaboration driving high-tech innovation and to attract top talent. In a visit underscoring the Czech Republic’s commitment to high-tech innovation, President Petr Pavel, accompanied by Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports Mikuláš Bek, toured the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) near Prague. This world-class facility, the largest and most advanced high-power laser infrastructure globally, places the Czech Republic at the forefront of European scientific advancement. The Extreme Light Infrastructure, a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), plays a vital role in advancing research across materials science, astrophysics, and other fields. As an ESFRI flagship project, ELI enhances Europe’s global leadership in laser and optics research while showcasing the Czech Republic’s critical role as host to this strategic asset. During the visit, President Pavel and Minister Bek explored ELI’s advanced laboratories, including the L3 HAPLS laser and experimental halls, where scientists lead pioneering research in laser-matter interactions. “ELI is a platform for scientific excellence, driving innovation and attracting top talent,” says Allen Weeks, Director General of ELI ERIC. “President Pavel’s visit highlights the importance of this facility for the Czech Republic and for European competitiveness in this essential field.” Minister Bek appreciated the social and technological contribution of ELI and said, “The ELI Beamlines superlaser is an ambitious project of Czech research and I am glad that we could present this facility to our President.” The results of the experiments on one of the most powerful laser facilities in the world will be useful, for example, in medical imaging and diagnostics, in testing of new materials or in X-ray optics. By opening its doors to researchers worldwide, ELI ERIC not only facilitates international collaboration. It is also developing a new generation of scientific leaders in the field. President Pavel’s visit signals the Czech Republic’s dedication to this crucial infrastructure, solidifying its position in the future of high-tech research and talent development. The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI ERIC) is an international user facility dedicated to multi-disciplinary science and research applications. ELI ERIC operates as a single multi-site organisation with complementary facilities specialised in different fields of research with extreme light: ELI Beamlines in the Czech Republic, focused on high-energy beams, and ELI ALPS in Hungary, specialising in attosecond light pulses. The ELI Nuclear Physics in Măgurele (Romania) is expected to join the Consortium and expand ELI’s capabilities. Press release