The Active Role of the Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, in the EuPRAXIA-DN Programme

EuPRAXIA-DNparticle acceleratorsphysicsterahertz

The Institute of Physics at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, plays a prominent role in the European Union-supported EuPRAXIA Doctoral Network (EuPRAXIA-DN) programme, which is developing a new generation of particle accelerators based on plasma acceleration technologies. The aim of this international consortium is to achieve breakthroughs in electron acceleration, facilitating the creation of more compact, efficient, and versatile research infrastructures that open up new opportunities in numerous scientific fields and industrial applications.

On April 9, 2025, the annual Supervisory Board meeting of EuPRAXIA-DN was held in Pisa, Italy, where the Institute of Physics was represented online by Dr. Szabolcs Turnár and his doctoral student, Andres Leiva Genre. During the meeting, all doctoral fellows in the network presented their research progress and results. As a EuPRAXIA-DN fellow, Andres Leiva Genre presented his achievements in the field of terahertz-driven dielectric accelerators, which contribute to the miniaturization and performance enhancement of plasma accelerators.

Szabolcs Turnár PhD also outlined the initial plans for EuPRAXIA-DN Camp III, to be held in Pécs on October 6–7, 2025. This international workshop will focus on the theme of “Innovations” and is expected to host leading researchers, doctoral students, and industrial partners from across Europe, further strengthening the international connections of the University of Pécs and the Hungarian research community.

Over the past year, the Institute of Physics has actively participated in several important events within the EuPRAXIA-DN framework, including the interdisciplinary school held in Rome, where students and researchers contributed to the professional programme with talks, posters, and invited presentations. The institute is committed to playing a key role in the development and application of cutting-edge accelerator technologies, thereby contributing to scientific excellence both in Hungary and across Europe.