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The Surface Science Laboratory Station, previously housed at the JRC site in Karlsruhe, Germany, has now been officially inaugurated at its new location in Prague.
The relocation was completed over the past four months and involved transporting the seven-metre-long instrument across borders and reinstalling it at the Academy’s facilities.
It marks the first time the JRC has transferred a major scientific instrument to a national research institute in an EU country, turning it into a shared asset.
Research instrument
The Surface Science Laboratory Station is a versatile, multi-purpose tool designed for advanced nuclear research. Composed of several modules that can operate independently, the system can be tailored to meet specific research needs. Its adaptable structure enables scientists to conduct highly specialised studies across a range of disciplines.
The instrument supports research in energy production, nuclear safety, and industrial applications. Its capabilities enable detailed examination of materials and surfaces, which is essential for improving reactor technologies, developing safer nuclear systems, and advancing innovative industrial processes. Due to its advanced design and flexibility, comparable systems are rare worldwide.
By relocating the Surface Science Laboratory Station to Prague, the JRC ensures that the equipment continues to contribute to high-level research while broadening access to new scientific communities.
Expanding access for European researchers
Although the Surface Science Laboratory Station is now based at the Czech Academy of Sciences, it remains accessible to researchers from across Europe. Through the JRC Open Access Programme, scientists from academia, industry, and the public sector will continue to be able to apply for access to the facility.
This arrangement maintains the European dimension of the research infrastructure while embedding it within a national institute. It also supports the development of nuclear expertise and technical skills across the Euratom community. By fostering collaboration among European institutions, the initiative strengthens knowledge sharing and promotes innovation in nuclear science and technology.
The Czech Academy of Sciences gains direct access to a world-class facility, enhancing its research capabilities and reinforcing Prague’s position as an important centre for scientific excellence in Central Europe.
The transfer is being described as a milestone in European research policy. It demonstrates a new approach to maximising the impact of public investment in scientific infrastructure. Instead of keeping major equipment solely within central EU facilities, the JRC is testing a model in which instruments can be integrated into national research centres while still serving the broader European research community.
This pilot initiative could be replicated in the future within the Euratom framework. If successful, similar transfers may allow other Member States to host specialised equipment, further decentralising access to advanced research tools and encouraging closer cooperation between European and national institutions.
The relocation of the Surface Science Laboratory Station demonstrates Europe’s ongoing commitment to maintaining strong nuclear research capabilities.
