IFMIF-DONES took part in the Big Science Business Forum (BSBF) 2026, held in Maastricht, the Netherlands. The event has established itself as one of Europe’s leading forums for connecting major scientific infrastructures with industry and technology companies. It offers a unique opportunity to develop new partnerships, identify business opportunities and strengthen industrial involvement in cutting-edge scientific projects.

The IFMIF-DONES delegation was led by Philippe Cara, DONES Programme Manager; José Aguilar, Head of the Executive Office; Aida Padial, Head of Communication and Protocol; and Juan Fernández, representing the Industry Office.

During the event, Philippe Cara spoke at two parallel sessions focusing on strategic technological areas for major scientific infrastructures. The first, “Electronics Assembly and Radiation Resistance + Electrical Systems”, addressed the challenges and opportunities associated with electronic and electrical systems operating in high-radiation environments. The second, “Robotics and Remote Handling”, focused on robotic and remote-handling technologies, which are essential for the operation and maintenance of advanced scientific facilities.

IFMIF-DONES’s presence at BSBF 2026 helped raise the project’s international profile, strengthen ties with leading companies and organisations across the Big Science ecosystem, and further promote industrial participation in the development of a scientific infrastructure that is unique in Europe.

Beyond the technical sessions, the forum offered an opportunity to exchange experience with other major scientific organisations, explore emerging technological trends, and identify new avenues for collaboration that will support the DONES Programme’s progress and consolidation within the international research infrastructure landscape.