HFML-FELIX, known worldwide as a unique research facility, will continue within a large national partnership consisting of Radboud University, Dutch Research Council (NWO), and six other Dutch universities. This means, structural funding is assured for HFML-FELIX for the next 10 years.

The consortium will work towards a shared and strong national research program, which will enable the lab to continue its significant contribution to scientific progress and the solving of societal challenges. Starting this new collaboration 1st of January 2025, HFML-FELIX will move forward as an NWO Institute within the Foundation for Dutch Scientific Research Institutes NWO-I. An official signing ceremony took place on the 20th of December 2024 at HFML-FELIX in Nijmegen.

At HFML-FELIX, pioneering 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. In doing
so, HFML-FELIX contributes to important research fields, including materials 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.

Britta Redlich, former director at HFML-FELIX,
has undertaken great efforts during 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,” said 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.”

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 and international 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.”

José Sanders, Rector Magnificus of Radboud University:                                                                                                                            “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.

The representatives of the National Collaboration Network HFML- FELIX at the official signing ceremony. From left to right: Erik van Heumen (University of Amsterdam), Ron Heeren (Maastricht University), Jennifer Herek (University of Twente), Floris Rutjes (Radboud University), Moniek Tromp (University of Groningen), Semonti Bhattacharyya (Leiden University), Britta Redlich (former HFML-FELIX), Mazhar Ali (Delft University of Technology), and Peter Spijker (NWO-I).