50 years Nikhef

The National Institute for Subatomic Physics Nikhef has been the home of Dutch particle physicists for 50 years. Researchers from six universities and NWO-I collaborate on groundbreaking international experiments, new theories and technical innovations. Inspiring research into the building blocks of matter and the universe, with a keen eye for society.

Particle Physics

In particle physics, very large detectors are used to study elementary particles. Particles such as protons are accelerated in a particle accelerator, and made to collide with each other. Nikhef is active in ALICE, ATLAS and LHCb at CERN.

Electronics Technology

Measurements in particle physics require special electronics. Specialists from the Electronics Technology department design, manufacture and maintain specific electronics, both small and large, for Nikhef research programmes, from detectors at CERN to the KM3NeT neutrino telescope in the Mediterranean Sea.

Computer Technology

Astroparticle physics

Astroparticle physics combines physics and astronomy. In the cosmos, very strong magnetic fields create what can be considered a ‘natural’ particle accelerator. To perform astrophysics research, scientists ‘just’ need to build the right detectors. Nikhef is active in KM3NeT, Auger, XENON1T/nT and Virgo.

Mechanical Technology

The Mechanical Technology (MT) department develops, designs and realises unique mechanical constructions for the mostly international projects in which Nikhef participates. Physicists, mechanical engineers, instrument makers and electronics engineers work closely together in this regard. The workshop in Amsterdam has its own engineering group, instrument makers and equipment for metalworking and other mechanical techniques.

Gravitational waves

Nikhef is part of a collaboration of five countries to detect gravitational waves using the Virgo detector in Italy. These waves, ripples moving in space-time were detected for the first time in 2015. They reveal completely new information about the Universe.