Rome, April 22, 2026. On April 15-16, 2026, the Centro Ricerche Enrico Fermi (CREF) hosted the annual meeting of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Working Group 9 (WG9). This vital gathering brings together researchers in nuclear Physics to discuss and coordinate international cooperation, continuing a century-long legacy of global scientific collaboration. The status of existing and planned major infrastructure worldwide, primarily devoted to nuclear physics research, was presented.

IUPAP: A Century of Scientific Coordination

The IUPAP was established in Brussels in 1922 by 13 founding member countries to foster international collaboration in physics across all disciplines. Since its inception under its first President, Nobel Laureate Sir William Henry Bragg, and its first Secretary, Henri Abraham, the Union has been instrumental in uniting the global physics community.

Building on this profound legacy, Working Group 9 (then chaired by Angela Bracco) was established in 2003, specifically dedicated to International Cooperation in Nuclear Physics (ICNP). Formed upon the recommendation of the IUPAP Commission on Nuclear Physics (C12), WG9 was given a comprehensive mandate to evaluate and guide the key issues facing Nuclear Physics worldwide, including producing and maintaining a comprehensive compendium of existing and developmental nuclear facilities worldwide, exploring mechanisms to enhance international cooperation, and serving as a source of expert advice for governmental and intergovernmental organisations.

As WG9 convenes at CREF this April, the agenda focuses on actionable steps to advance these foundational mandates while addressing new challenges in the field. The C12 (chaired by Maria Borge, Madrid) actively participated in WG9 and also had a separate closed section.

The 16 of April was devoted to a symposium on timely topics in nuclear basic science and applications. Experts from around the world delivered compelling and inspiring presentations. An in-camera meeting with representatives of funding agencies, organised by Diego Bettoni (INFN, Ferrara), was held on the same day.

NuPECCMeeting

April 17 has been dedicated to the NuPECC (Nuclear Physics European Collaboration Committee) meeting, aiming to strengthen nuclear science in Europe by promoting collaboration, developing strategic plans, and advising funding agencies. 

Connecting with the Origins of Nuclear Physics: The Enrico Fermi Museum

Beyond the formal sessions and strategic discussions, participants expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity to visit the Enrico Fermi Museum, located on the historic grounds of the Regio Istituto di Fisica, where Fermi worked. For the visiting physicists, the museum represented a pilgrimage to the very origins of their field.

Angela Bracco, president of CREF, Diego Bettoni, member of the executive board of INFN, and Iris Dillmann from TRIUMF (Canada), scientific secretary of WG9, are very grateful to the CREF personnel who have provided great support for the success of these events.