The funding goes to the following Radboud projects:
Double & dump: Unlocking spectroscopy and dynamics in the far-infrared
Main applicant: Sandra Brünken, HFML-FELIX and Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University
A double as powerful infrared laser with ultra-short pulses, HFML-FELIX, since 2025 a unique research institute of NWO-I, combines Europe’s strongest magnetic fields with intense laser light to investigate molecules and materials. By upgrading the heart of the laser and thereby implementing the possibility to make all light in one intense pulse available for experiments, researchers can investigate new, fundamental processes. Such processes underlie potential new technologies for energy-efficient data storage or govern the lifecycle of interstellar molecular dust.
MAGEX: A wide-bore resistive MAGnet Platform for research under EXtreme conditions at HFML-FELIX
Main applicant: Steffen Wiedmann, HFML-FELIX and Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University
HFML-FELIX’s modular high-field magnet. Since 2025, HFML-FELIX has been a unique NWO-I institute where Europe’s strongest magnets and powerful lasers are combined to study matter under extreme conditions. Today’s magnets reach up to 38 Tesla, but only in very small spaces. With the LSRI-Upgrade 2025, new large-aperture magnets will provide record field strengths and far more room for experiments. They will also create the world’s strongest magnetic forces for studying levitation and extreme states of matter. This upgrade puts the Netherlands at the forefront of global research in physics, quantum materials, and science under extreme conditions.
uNMR: State-of-the-art hardware to reinforce and advance the Dutch ultra-high field nuclear magnetic resonance infrastructure
Main applicant: Dr. H. van Ingen, Utrecht University
Consortium partners: Radboud University, Leiden University, Wageningen University & Research.
Co-applicants from Radboud University: Evan Zhao, Arno Kentgens, Ernst van Eck, Marco Tessari (Magnetic Resonance Research Centre, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University)
Detailed molecular analyses are required across many scientific disciplines. Magnetic resonance (NMR and MRI) is exceptionally well suited to determine the composition of biomolecules and materials. The NMR and MRI groups in Utrecht, Leiden, Wageningen, and Nijmegen, bundled in the uNMR-NL consortium, offer access to their high-end equipment to Dutch researchers and companies. This equipment will be upgraded to add new capabilities and to secure internationally renowned research for the future.
Read the NWO news article here: 30.5 million euros granted for the upgrading of Large-scale research infrastructure.