USTAV JADERNE FYZIKY AV CR

Their core work

The Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a research center specializing in nuclear and particle physics, neutron science, and radiation effects. They operate experimental facilities for proton beam therapy research, neutron instrumentation, and radiation testing for electronics used in automotive, aerospace, and space applications. Their work spans from fundamental physics (spectral theory, Schrödinger operators) to applied research like nuclear data for energy safety and radiation hardness assurance for industry. They also contribute to large-scale European research infrastructure networks, particularly around neutron sources and particle accelerators.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2014-2018), the institute focused on neutron science infrastructure — deuteration, crystal growth, detector technology, and e-science tools for neutron research (SINE2020). From 2019 onward, their portfolio broadened significantly: they moved into nuclear data for safety applications (SANDA), radiation testing for industrial electronics (RADNEXT), Ukraine research collaboration (EURIZON), and mathematical physics (SOMPATY). The shift shows a clear move from pure infrastructure support toward applied research with direct industrial and societal relevance.

They are increasingly bridging fundamental nuclear physics with industrial applications — radiation hardness for automotive/space electronics and nuclear safety data — making them a growing partner for industry-facing projects.

How they like to work

They have never coordinated an H2020 project, always participating as a partner (7 projects) or third party (2 projects), typically contributing specialized nuclear physics expertise to large consortia. With 326 unique partners across 35 countries, they are well-networked but operate as a specialist contributor rather than a project driver. This makes them a low-risk, high-expertise partner — they bring deep technical capability without competing for leadership roles.

Exceptionally broad network for their size: 326 unique partners across 35 countries, built through large research infrastructure consortia like EUROfusion, SINE2020, and EURIZON. Their reach spans nearly all of Europe plus Ukraine, reflecting their role in pan-European physics infrastructure.

What sets them apart

As part of the Czech Academy of Sciences, they combine experimental nuclear physics facilities with a track record in European research infrastructure networks — a combination rare among Central European institutes. Their dual capability in both fundamental physics (spectral theory, nuclear data) and applied testing (radiation hardness for automotive and space electronics) makes them a versatile partner who can contribute across TRL levels. For consortium builders, they offer reliable specialist participation with no competition for coordination roles.

Highlights from their portfolio

• INSPIRE
  Their largest single grant (EUR 250,450), focused on proton beam therapy — connecting nuclear physics directly to medical applications.
• RADNEXT
  Most industry-relevant project: radiation testing network serving automotive, avionics, and space sectors — signals their move toward applied industrial research.
• EURIZON
  Second-largest grant (EUR 210,040) with a unique EU-Ukraine collaboration dimension, supporting fellowship and training programmes for Ukrainian researchers.