Visiting high class laboratories: the University of Helsinki Accelerator

Science visits Helsinki – in French!

In 2026, come and discover four centres of excellence where the science and technologies of tomorrow are being developed:

• The accelerator at the University of Helsinki
• The robotics laboratory at Aalto University
• The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland at the University of Helsinki
• The ice and wave basin at Aalto University

Leading scientific laboratories and infrastructures in the capital region open their doors to you. Through this series of visits in French, discover the major challenges of Finnish research and the scientific collaborations with France, in a friendly and accessible format.

Each visit includes:

• A presentation of the laboratory’s main research areas and the frontiers of knowledge it is advancing to address the questions and challenges of our time
• A guided tour of the facilities
• An opportunity to interact and exchange with the scientists

The visits are led by French scientists working at the laboratory.

April 15, 2026 at 17.30 – Accelerator at the University of Helsinki 

Using beams of atoms produced by accelerators, researchers probe materials and track the invisible: defects, irradiation effects, and internal transformations. These techniques help develop key materials for nanotechnology, micro- and optoelectronics, fusion, and particle detectors.

The laboratory is part of the Department of Physics at the University of Helsinki, located on the Kumpula campus, a few kilometers from the city centre.

The visit will be led by Chloé Nozais and Tomás Fernández Bouvier from the University of Helsinki Accelerator:

• Chloé Nozais is a doctoral student specializing in the simulation of swift heavy ions and their effects on various materials. Her work has demonstrated that gallium oxide can withstand such impacts without losing its crystallinity—a significant discovery for the space sector, which faces extreme conditions.
• Tomás Fernández Bouvier is also a PhD student. Using simulations, he investigates how ion beams can “implant” atoms into materials like silicon. His goal is to understand and control the defects created by this process in order to improve the fabrication of electronic components and, eventually, quantum technologies.

Spots are limited to ensure a safe and high-quality visit. Registration is required before the visit. Come and discover science in French in Helsinki!