Nikhef

Nikhef, the National Institute for Subatomic Physics, is the Dutch national institute for subatomic physics. It coordinates and conducts research in particle physics, astroparticle physics, and detector development. Based at the Amsterdam Science Park in Amsterdam, Nikhef brings together researchers from Dutch universities and research institutes to pursue international experiments and projects in fundamental physics.

The institute supports experimental, theoretical, and computational work. Its activities include detector R&D, data analysis, and the development of software and computing infrastructure needed for large-scale physics experiments. Nikhef also plays a key role in training PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists, contributing to education and knowledge transfer in the Netherlands.

Nikhef participates in international collaborations at CERN and other facilities. Dutch involvement spans several major particle-physics programs, including experiments at the Large Hadron Collider and related projects, as well as astroparticle and neutrino experiments. Through these activities, Nikhef contributes to the design and operation of detectors, data processing, and the interpretation of experimental results.

Organization and funding for Nikhef come from a collaboration of Dutch universities and research centers, with governance provided by a director and an overseeing board. The institute receives funding from the Dutch government via funding agencies such as NWO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) and from participating institutions. Nikhef's work advances fundamental understanding of matter and the forces governing the universe and supports international scientific collaboration in subatomic physics.