Research hubs at NCPS SOLARIS are thematic collaboration platforms that integrate the Centre's users around specific research topics of scientific, technological and societal interest. These initiatives aim to stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration and maximise the use of the SOLARIS research infrastructure based on modern experimental techniques available at the synchrotron and electron cryomicroscopy.
The structure of the Research Hubs is based on open consortia, formed by scientists representing a range of disciplines - from chemical and physical sciences, through materials engineering, to biotechnology and agricultural sciences. Such a research environment fosters a synergy of experimental methods (e.g. XAS spectroscopy, SAXS, μCT, cryo-EM) and theoretical and computational approaches.

The purpose of the hubs is not only to conduct research together in a given subject area, but also:

• initiating R&D projects and applying for external funding (national and international),
• knowledge and technology transfer between research units and industry,
• joint development of experimental strategies for complex research problems,
• building long-term partnerships and developing the competencies of infrastructure users.

Each new hub is an opportunity to combine the expertise and research potential of SOLARIS. We encourage the initiation of further thematic hubs - especially in areas where the integrated use of diverse research techniques can contribute to solving key challenges of civilisation.