What is WP5?
AHEAD2020’s Work Package 5 (WP5) focused on providing Transnational Access (TNA) to some of Europe’s most advanced experimental test and calibration facilities. This effort aimed to support research and technological developments in high-energy astrophysics and related fields by making these facilities available to external teams, especially those from countries lacking such infrastructure.
Opening Doors to Innovation
The program successfully implemented an ambitious initiative, offering researchers unprecedented access to state-of-the-art facilities across Europe. This initiative has opened doors for groundbreaking advancements in high-energy astrophysics and beyond, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Facilities Across Europe
- Locations: Nine world-class facilities across six locations in Italy, The Netherlands, and Belgium.
- Accessibility: These facilities, often accessed only through collaborations or at external costs, were made freely available thanks to European Commission support.
- Participants: Researchers from Europe and beyond, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Scientific and Technological Achievements
The program supported 20 distinct research projects, utilizing nearly all available access time. Key research areas included:
- Thin film and surface coating properties for space missions
- Mechanical and gamma-ray detector prototype characterization
- Investigations into radiation protection materials for astronauts
- Critical pore-optics research for the ESA NewAthena mission
Beyond Access: Building Capacity
The TNA program wasn’t just about providing access but also about empowering researchers. Activities included:
- Preparatory visits to familiarize teams with facilities
- Mentoring visits to enhance expertise
- Measurement campaigns for intensive testing and research
Broad Impact
The program attracted participants from SMEs and international teams, underscoring its wide-reaching impact. It demonstrated the immense value of collaborative access to cutting-edge resources, paving the way for new discoveries in astrophysics and related fields.
Continuing the Journey
AHEAD2020’s WP5 TNA initiative has been a resounding success, showcasing the importance of open, collaborative science. We thank all participants and partners for their contributions and look forward to continuing this journey of exploration and innovation.
You may find more information about some of the AHEAD2020 facilities, such as the LARIX facility and the BEaTriX test facility operated at the INAF-OABrera (Merate, Italy).
LARIX:
BEaTRIX:
