EuPRAXIA holds Satellite Meeting during BSBF 2024

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Dr Joseph Wolfenden (UoL) gave an in-depth presentation on beam diagnostics within EuPRAXIA.

EuPRAXIA took centre stage at the Big Science Business Forum (BSBF) 2024, hosting a satellite meeting which showcased its pioneering work in plasma-based accelerators and its critical role in advancing a key new European research infrastructure. The meeting was organized by members of Liverpool’s QUASAR Group. The University of Liverpool is leading the dissemination and public relations efforts in order to build a favourable background for EuPRAXIA to pursue implementation and operation.

EuPRAXIA's participation in BSBF 2024 highlighted its commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and big science initiatives. Held in October 7-10, 2024, in Trieste, Italy, the BSBF conference brought together stakeholders from across the scientific, industrial, and research sectors, providing a platform to discuss the future of European big science projects.

The satellite meeting was attended by over 70 attendees and offered a unique insight into EuPRAXIA’s R&D into plasma acceleration technology, which aims to develop novel particle accelerators by making them more compact, cost-effective, and energy efficient. EuPRAXIA’s work has the potential to drive innovation in fields such as medical imaging, radiation therapy, materials science, and fundamental physics research.

Dr Leonida Antonio Gizzi of CNR presented opportunities for collaboration in ultra-fast lasers and high power laser systems. 

The meeting opened with a welcome address by Minh Chao from the University of Liverpool, who introduced the project and outlined the event’s agenda. Antonio Falone from Italy’s National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) followed with an overview of EuPRAXIA, discussing the latest technological milestones and future developments in the project.

One of the key discussions centred on the collaboration between EuPRAXIA and industry. Dr Leonida Antonio Gizzi of CNR presented opportunities for collaboration in ultra-fast lasers and high power laser systems. He highlighted that these partnerships are critical for ensuring the successful construction and operation of future plasma accelerators.

The satellite meeting concluded with a panel discussion between the event’s speakers, chaired by Dr Wolfenden.

 

Dr Joseph Wolfenden from the University of Liverpool’s QUASAR Group then gave an in-depth presentation on beam diagnostic R&D within EuPRAXIA. His talk was followed by a presentation from Constantinos Astreos, also from the University of Liverpool, on technology transfer and funding opportunities, such as the European Innovation Council, EU and national proof-of-concept grants.

The satellite meeting concluded with a panel discussion between the event’s speakers, chaired by Dr Wolfenden. The panel explored key technological challenges, funding opportunities, and intellectual property issues related to EuPRAXIA, engaging the audience through an open microphone session. A networking session followed, offering participants the chance to form valuable contacts and partnerships.

EuPRAXIA hosted a booth as part of the industry exhibition

Furthermore, EuPRAXIA hosted a booth as part of the industry exhibition, demonstrating how its infrastructure can serve as a cornerstone for innovation across multiple fields.

Overall, EuPRAXIA’s presence at BSBF 2024 emphasised the growing importance of plasma accelerator technology in both scientific and industrial applications, and provided an excellent opportunity for discussion with European industry.

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