Hi-Acts at the IAEA Conference in Vienna

The Second International Conference on Accelerators for Research and Innovation (ACCONF 2026), organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is one of the leading international conferences in the field of accelerator technologies. It brings together experts from science, research, and industry to advance innovation, explore new applications, and foster partnerships that maximize the societal benefits of accelerator technologies.

We are proud that our colleague Dr. Sonia Utermann represented Hi-Acts and GSI/FAIR Innovation at this international event. In her presentation, "Beyond Technology Transfer: From Research Hubs to Innovation Partners – The Hi-Acts Model for Co-Creation and Societal Impact," she introduced the Hi-Acts approach to an international audience.

The presentation highlighted Hi-Acts' vision of rethinking technology transfer—not as a one-way process from research to industry, but as a collaborative process of co-creation. As an innovation platform, Hi-Acts connects Germany's five Helmholtz accelerator centers with industry and other partners, providing streamlined access to unique research infrastructures, combined expertise, and efficient collaboration processes. Together, these partnerships drive innovative solutions to societal challenges in areas such as healthcare, sustainable materials, and energy technologies. In doing so, Hi-Acts helps translate excellent fundamental research into real-world applications and societal impact.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the Hi-Acts model on an international stage, strengthen exchanges within the global accelerator community, and inspire new collaborations between research and industry.

Photo Credits: Mariia Klymenko