EuPRAXIA at IPAC'25

From the 1st – 6th June 2025, the 16^th International Particle Accelerator Conference (IPAC’25) took place between the International Convention Centre and the Taipei World Trade Centre in the vibrant city of Taipei, Taiwan. The event was hosted by the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre and attracted around 1,000 delegates and 70 industrial exhibitors from across the globe. The rich scientific programme covered worldwide advancements in accelerator research and development, provided insights into new projects, and allowed participants to discuss the latest developments in accelerator facilities globally. In addition to the stimulating scientific programme, participants had the valuable opportunity to connect with peers and to establish new business contacts.

EuPRAXIA-DN Coordinator Prof Carsten P Welsch (middle) and four of the Fellows (left to right: Mihail Miceski, Phani Deep Meruga, Alex Whitehead and Romain Demitra).

EuPRAXIA-DN Coordinator Professor Carsten P Welsch contributed a poster to the scientific programme which gave an insight into selected research results from within the Doctoral Network. This led to many insightful conversations.

Alongside Professor Welsch, four of the network’s Fellows also presented posters at the conference, showcasing their latest research and developments.

Phani Deep Meruga presented a poster entitled ‘Evaluation of an X-band LLRF Prototype for the EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB LINAC’ which focussed on the performance analysis of the X-band Low-Level RF system. It highlighed both front-end and back-end evaluations, and emphasized its readiness for integration into the high-gradient linac for the upcoming EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB machine. 

His poster sparked interesting discussions, particularly with researchers working on compact accelerator designs and advanced LLRF control techniques for X-band systems.

Phani Deep Meruga in front of his poster.

Phani had an overwhelmingly positive experience at IPAC.  He said that ‘beyond my own presentation, it was inspiring to attend talks and posters from fellow researchers, showcasing a broad spectrum of advancements from beam dynamics and injector optimization to machine learning applications in beam diagnostics and control. The depth and diversity of topics underscored the accelerating pace of innovation within the field’.

As well as representing his research as a EuPRAXIA Fellow, Phani was able to participate as an exhibitor, representing Instrumentation Technologies.  In the exchanges that he had, he reported that ‘what stood out[…] was the global convergence of ideas, the shared drive toward compact and high-performance accelerators, and the increasing importance of precision diagnostics in the broader accelerator community’.

Romain Demitra presented a poster on ‘Transverse Plasma-Density Measurements Within Capillary Discharge Channels’, which allowed him to share his experimental set-up and data with leading experts in the field. He said that ‘presenting my capillary plasma-density measurements at IPAC was a highlight of my career. EngagIng with the community, answering probing questions, and envisioning new directions for our research reminded me how exciting collaborative science can be’.

Romain Demitra listening to a talk at IPAC'25.

Mihail Miceski’s poster on the ‘Design of Beam Transport System with Active Plasma Lens for LPA-Driven EUV FEL’ showcased his work on novel accelerator technologies. It highlighted recent advancements, and discussed the most promising prospects of laser-plasma accelerators. Mihail found the possibility to connect with experts from around the world particularly motivating, he said that "it was an incredible opportunity to share my research and to represent ELI Beamlines at IPAC, the largest conference in the field of particle accelerators. Engaging in meaningful technical discussions and receiving valuable feedback made the experience especially rewarding”.

Mihail Miceski and Alex Whithead during the conference dinner.

Finally, Alex Whitehead presented a poster on the ’Study of Electron Density in Capillary Discharge Plasma for Laser Plasma Accelerators’.

He said that ‘'IPAC’25 was an amazing platform to discuss innovative ideas and breakthroughs in the field of particle acceleration”.  He also enjoyed taking the opportunity to explore the city of Taipei, from its rich culture to its delicious cuisine.

The next IPAC will take place in Deauville, France between 17 – 22 May 2026. Information can be found on the conference website www.ipac26.org.