One of PACRI’s key strengths is its vibrant community of early career researchers who are helping to advance the next generation of plasma accelerator technologies while developing the skills needed to shape Europe’s future research infrastructures.
Following our first spotlight article, we continue the series by introducing two more researchers whose work spans advanced light sources, optimisation techniques, and RF technologies. Their experiences highlight the collaborative environment fostered by PACRI and its close links with initiatives such as the EuPRAXIA Doctoral Network.
Advancing Compact Light Sources for Future Applications
For Bhushan (based at Instituto Superior Técnico) and associated with the EuPRAXIA Doctoral Network, attending the PACRI Annual Meeting in Lisbon was both professionally rewarding and personally inspiring.
“Having already participated in several EuPRAXIA-DN events, PACRI felt to me like a natural extension of the wider accelerator community, bringing together researchers and experts from across Europe.”
His research focuses on novel compact light sources based on Thomson scattering from plasma-based accelerators. These sources can generate harmonics and exhibit super-radiant emission, opening exciting possibilities for applications in biology, chemistry and materials science.
Alongside this work, Bhushan is investigating Bayesian optimisation techniques for laser-plasma accelerators and exploring concepts for compact free-electron lasers (FELs), contributing directly to the long-term vision of next-generation European research infrastructures.
He believes that PACRI will play an important role in helping him and all the other fellows and early career researchers further to develop their scientific, technical, and collaborative skills. Reflecting on his experience, Bhushan commented:
“As an early career researcher, PACRI has provided an environment where I can grow scientifically while contributing to meaningful long-term research, and it motivates me to be part of the future of accelerator and light-source technologies in Europe.”
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Developing RF Technologies for Future Accelerators
Phani, working as an RF engineer at Instrumentation Technologies and a fellow within the EuPRAXIA Doctoral Network, also highlighted the value of the PACRI community and the opportunities provided by the Annual Meeting.
During the Lisbon event, he delivered an invited presentation entitled Development of X-Band LLRF and RF Infrastructure for Future Linear Accelerators, showcasing ongoing work on advanced low-level RF systems and supporting infrastructure for future compact, high-gradient accelerators.
His research contributes to the development of enabling technologies that will support the next generation of accelerator facilities, while participation in PACRI provides opportunities to exchange ideas, receive expert feedback, and strengthen connections across the wider accelerator community.
Speaking about his experience, Phani said:
“Being part of the PACRI community has been an inspiring experience, offering valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, present my research, and contribute to the development of advanced accelerator technologies for future scientific applications. Also the meeting provided an excellent platform to present my work, receive feedback from experts, and strengthen my understanding of the broader accelerator community and its future research directions.”
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From Research to Project Coordination: Enabling Scientific Collaboration
Not every contribution to cutting-edge research comes directly from the laboratory. Large international projects also rely on dedicated professionals who help coordinate activities, connect partners, and ensure that complex collaborations operate effectively.
For one PACRI team member, Laura, the project represents an important step in the transition from academic research into project management and coordination. Working within a large-scale European collaboration has provided a unique opportunity to support researchers across multiple institutions while gaining first-hand experience of how major research initiatives are organised and delivered.
She found the PACRI Annual Meeting in Lisbon to be a particularly valuable experience during the early stages of her role. Bringing together partners from across the consortium allowed professional contacts to become meaningful working relationships and provided a deeper understanding of the diverse scientific activities taking place throughout the project.
Reflecting on the experience, she said:
“Being part of the EuPRAXIA ecosystem through PACRI is a rewarding challenge. I really enjoy facilitating the work of such an interesting consortium and helping different experts collaborate toward a common scientific goal.”
Laura’s story highlights an often-overlooked aspect of large research infrastructures: the importance of skilled project coordination and management in enabling successful international scientific collaboration.
Building Europe’s Future Accelerator Community
The experiences shared by PACRI’s early career researchers demonstrate the importance of collaborative research environments that combine scientific excellence, international cooperation, and interdisciplinary training.
Through close connections with initiatives such as the EuPRAXIA Doctoral Network, PACRI not only supports the development of advanced accelerator technologies but also helps nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers who will drive future innovation across Europe.
As PACRI continues to advance plasma accelerator systems for compact research infrastructures, these researchers remain at the heart of the project’s long-term vision, transforming cutting-edge research into the technologies and facilities of tomorrow.
