MBN RESEARCH CENTER GGMBH

Their core work

MBN Research Center is a German non-profit SME (gGmbH) specializing in computational physics and multiscale modelling of radiation-matter interactions, nanostructure fabrication, and crystal-based radiation sources. They develop theoretical and computational tools to understand processes like electron-driven chemistry, molecular fragmentation, and channelling radiation in periodically bent crystals. Their work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in nanofabrication (e.g., focused electron beam induced deposition — FEBID) and the design of compact light sources for hard X-ray and gamma-ray generation.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

MBN's early H2020 work (2016–2019) centred on crystalline undulators and the physics of periodically bent crystals as compact radiation sources (PEARL), alongside computational characterisation of radiosensitising nanoparticles (Radio-NP). From 2020 onward, they broadened into irradiation-driven nanofabrication and electron-molecule collision dynamics (RADON) while continuing the crystal-based light source theme at larger scale (N-LIGHT). The trajectory shows a consistent computational physics core expanding toward more applied domains — from pure crystal channelling theory toward nanofabrication and materials processing.

MBN is moving from fundamental channelling physics toward applied computational tools for nanofabrication and radiation-based manufacturing, making them increasingly relevant for nanotechnology and advanced materials partnerships.

How they like to work

MBN consistently leads projects — all four H2020 grants are as coordinator, which is remarkable for a small non-profit research company. Their preference for MSCA-RISE (3 of 4 projects) indicates they build international staff-exchange networks rather than large technology development consortia. With 17 unique partners across 13 countries from just 4 projects, they function as a networking hub connecting research groups across Europe and beyond around shared computational physics problems.

Despite being a small SME, MBN has assembled a broad international network of 17 partners spanning 13 countries through MSCA mobility projects. Their network is notably wide for their size, reflecting the collaborative nature of computational and theoretical physics research.

What sets them apart

MBN occupies an unusual niche: a non-profit private research centre that consistently coordinates EU mobility projects in computational radiation physics. Unlike university groups that may treat MSCA as peripheral, MBN builds its entire H2020 portfolio around international researcher exchange, making them an efficient partner for accessing a ready-made multinational network. Their combined expertise in crystal channelling, electron-beam nanofabrication, and radiation-nanoparticle modelling is a rare interdisciplinary blend not easily found in a single small organization.

Highlights from their portfolio

• N-LIGHT
  Largest grant (EUR 308,200) and their most ambitious project, bringing together theory and experiment on novel crystalline light sources for hard X-rays and gamma rays.
• RADON
  Represents their strategic pivot toward applied nanofabrication, directly comparing computational models with experimental FEBID results — their most application-oriented project.
• PEARL
  Their foundational H2020 project on crystalline undulators, establishing the research line that N-LIGHT later expanded upon.