RI Research Instruments and HZDR: A Success Story in Advancing Accelerator Infrastructures

Strategic Partnership Officially Sealed

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the company RI Research Instruments GmbH (RI) from Bergisch-Gladbach have officially sealed their long-standing strategic partnership with the signing of a framework cooperation agreement. The partners aim to jointly develop innovative products and solutions that expand the scientific and technological expertise of both sides and contribute sustainably to progress. The collaboration is also of strategic importance for Hi-Acts.

Foundation for New Accelerator Technologies

“With this step, we are creating a basis for long-term cooperation at eye level, in order to develop new accelerator technologies – ranging from the licensing of research results to knowledge and staff transfer,” emphasizes the Scientific Director of HZDR, Prof. Sebastian M. Schmidt.

Two Decades of Joint Experience

The collaboration with Research Instruments dates back 20 years, when the first superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities for the Tesla Test Facility, now European XFEL, were developed and built together. “Through the collaboration with HZDR, RI gained the expertise to build complete SRF modules based on the design of the ELBE radiation source at HZDR,” says Dr. Michael Pekeler, Managing Director of Research Instruments.

Technology Transfer and Global Use

RI manufactures these modules under license for smaller laboratories at research institutions around the world, allowing them to acquire state-of-the-art technology without having to invest in their own developments. In addition, RI also offers turnkey accelerators for research and industry.

Focus on the DALI Large-Scale Project

A central focus of the partnership will be the joint work on the new ambitious infrastructure project Dresden Advanced Light Infrastructure (DALI). In July, DALI was selected by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space as one of the shortlisted priority research infrastructures, making it one of nine particularly eligible large-scale scientific projects in Germany that will secure and strengthen the country’s innovation potential in the long term.

Partnership Across Disciplinary Boundaries

A unique feature of the strategic partnership with RI is that the collaboration extends across all three research areas relevant to HZDR: energy, health, and matter. This makes it a truly strategic partnership that paves the way for innovation beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Signal for Close Integration of Research and Industry

With this step, HZDR and Research Instruments are sending a clear signal for the close integration of cutting-edge research and industrial development, creating the foundation for impulses that will have an impact far beyond the institutions involved.