THE HENRYK NIEWODNICZANSKI INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR PHYSICS, POLISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Their core work

IFJ PAN is one of Poland's premier nuclear and particle physics research institutes, operating advanced accelerator and detector facilities in Kraków. They conduct fundamental research in quantum chromodynamics, hadron structure, neutrino physics, and nuclear science, while also applying their expertise in proton beam therapy, biomechanics, and radiation protection. The institute serves as a key Polish node in major European research infrastructures — from fusion energy (EUROfusion) to future circular colliders (FCCIS) — and actively engages the public through recurring Researchers' Night events across the Małopolska region.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2014–2018), IFJ PAN focused on core nuclear physics infrastructure, fusion research, and general science promotion through public outreach events. From 2019 onward, two clear shifts emerged: first, a move into applied biomedical physics (Phys2BioMed's cancer cell biomechanics) and next-generation accelerator design (FCCIS, STRONG-2020); second, their public engagement events increasingly incorporated ecology, climate, and societal impact themes rather than pure science showcasing. This evolution suggests an institute deliberately broadening from fundamental physics toward medical applications and socially relevant research narratives.

IFJ PAN is increasingly bridging fundamental physics capabilities toward biomedical applications and future accelerator technologies, making them a strong partner for projects requiring precision measurement expertise applied to health or next-generation research infrastructure.

How they like to work

IFJ PAN exclusively operates as a participant or third party — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which positions them as a reliable contributing partner rather than a project driver. With 349 unique consortium partners across 35 countries, they operate within very large international consortia (many of their projects are flagship infrastructure efforts with dozens of members). This means they are well-practiced at integrating into complex multi-partner structures and delivering specialized contributions without needing to lead.

IFJ PAN has collaborated with 349 unique partners across 35 countries, reflecting deep integration into Europe's nuclear and particle physics community. Their network is predominantly pan-European but extends globally through projects like JENNIFER (Japan-Europe neutrino research), giving them connections to major facilities in Asia as well.

What sets them apart

IFJ PAN brings a rare combination: a world-class nuclear and particle physics institute that also operates proton beam therapy infrastructure and has demonstrated capability in biomedical cell mechanics. For consortium builders, this means one partner can contribute to both fundamental physics work packages and translational medical physics tasks. Their consistent Researchers' Night track record also makes them a credible dissemination and public engagement partner for any project needing strong outreach in Central Europe.

Highlights from their portfolio

• IDEAAL
  Largest single EC contribution to IFJ PAN (EUR 282,500), focused on developing the SPIRAL2 international nuclear physics facility — signals trusted role in major infrastructure development.
• Phys2BioMed
  Represents a strategic pivot: applying nuclear physics measurement expertise (AFM, nanoindentation) to cancer cell biomechanics and early diagnostics — their most interdisciplinary project.
• FCCIS
  Participation in the Future Circular Collider study (EUR 139,375) positions IFJ PAN within the design phase of CERN's next flagship accelerator, one of the largest science projects ever proposed.