Maximizing Impact in Fusion Science and Innovation: Transforming Knowledge into Worth

Innovations and Initiatives Innovations and Initiatives

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-11 08:51:14 |

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The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) focuses on leveraging its research capabilities to foster economic and societal benefits. By engaging with industries, it aims to mitigate risks and costs while advancing technological innovations. Situated as a key player in the Dutch research landscape, DIFFER emphasizes valorisation as an integral component of its strategy. This process encompasses co-evolution, technology transfer, and spin-outs, all of which contribute to the broader innovation ecosystem.

Valorisation, as defined by the Dutch Rathenau Institute, involves converting knowledge into tangible products, services, processes, and entrepreneurial ventures, making it suitable for economic or societal use. DIFFER is committed to driving this process, particularly within the fusion research domain. The institute’s role extends to the broader context of big science initiatives, where it operates alongside other prominent institutes like Nikhef and Astron, contributing to global scientific projects.

DIFFER’s involvement in international scientific infrastructures, such as ITER, DEMO, ASDEX Upgrade, and Wendelstein 7-X, highlights the subtle but significant link between scientific research and industrial development. By participating in these projects, companies gain access to cutting-edge technologies, which ultimately lead to the expansion of their capabilities and potential applications in various markets. With its own in-house research infrastructure, DIFFER minimizes the risks associated with these ventures, fostering industry involvement in the design and realization of the technologies.

A key aspect of valorisation is technology transfer, which involves applying technologies developed in one domain to another. This process often appears serendipitous, but a structured approach can help facilitate successful transitions. At DIFFER, this includes collaborations with private companies to adapt fusion research technologies for new industries.

Several examples illustrate DIFFER’s efforts in technology transfer. These include the development of advanced metal-forming techniques initially for the ITER vacuum vessel, which were later applied to produce complex parts for the Airbus A380, as well as the transfer of fusion reactor maintenance technologies to care robotics. Other examples include innovations in virtual training simulators for medical procedures and the development of hyper-imaging instruments for cancer research.

Looking ahead, DIFFER continues to prioritize long-term collaborations with private industry to stimulate valorisation, ensuring that knowledge developed within fusion research can be translated into impactful, real-world applications across various sectors.

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