Building on the success of the first project review, the NIMFEIA project consortium gathered for its second annual meeting on September 16–17, 2024. Hosted by Stichting Radboud Universiteit (RU) in Nijmegen, the meeting was a blend of collaborative review, strategic planning, and hands-on learning, set against the backdrop of Nijmegen’s world-renowned research facilities and the historic charm of Huize Heyendael.
The event commenced on September 16 with a series of guided tours, offering participants a firsthand look at RU’s state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge research facilities. Attendees explored the High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML), where researchers push the limits of magnetic field research. They also visited the Free-Electron Lasers for Infrared eXperiment (FELIX), a facility that enables groundbreaking research in infrared laser science. In addition, the Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials (USCM) group at RU provided insights into their work on advanced spectroscopy techniques used to investigate ultrafast magnetization dynamics.
On September 17, the consortium convened in Huize Heyendael, a historic building known for its elegant architecture and tranquil surroundings, to review project milestones and strategize for the year ahead. Representatives from six partner institutions were present, with 17 members participating in person and six joining remotely. This hybrid format was designed to ensure comprehensive collaboration, allowing participants to share progress updates and delve into specific challenges and next steps, regardless of their location.
The day was marked by an exchange of ideas as each partner shared their respective advancements, aligning on priorities for upcoming research phases. The discussions covered a broad range of topics, from technical innovations and experimental results to logistical strategies for optimizing collaboration across institutions. By the meeting’s close, the consortium had set clear objectives for the upcoming phases of the NIMFEIA project, underscoring a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration and practical application in this field.
