ELI-Germany Research Workshop on “Innovations and Mechanisms in Radiotherapy”
On January 22–23, 2026, approximately 50 researchers from across Germany, together with representatives of ELI – Extreme Light Infrastructure, gathered at the Centre for Advanced Laser Applications in Munich for a joint workshop organized by the Chair of Medical Physics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and the ELI leadership. The meeting aimed to stimulate a vibrant exchange of ideas on emerging concepts and research opportunities in radiotherapy.
The event was part of an initiative designed to strengthen collaboration within the German research community and to encourage engagement with the ELI User Programme.
On the first day, presentations introduced the ELI facilities and provided a comprehensive overview of advanced German radiation research infrastructures and their respective cutting-edge activities in medical physics and radiobiology. On the second day, particular attention was given to emerging accelerator and beam delivery technologies, as well as to the evolving needs arising from new frontiers in radiobiology and radiochemistry. Remaining research gaps and potential collaborative efforts to support the translation of innovative treatment modalities—such as FLASH radiotherapy, microbeam therapy (MBT), very-high-energy electrons (VHEE), and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)—were highlighted and discussed in depth during the concluding panel discussion.
A central focus of the workshop was the dialogue between accelerator and radiation source developers and the biomedical community. Particular emphasis was placed on aligning technical capabilities with clinical and biological needs to accelerate the development of novel radiotherapy approaches. Participants also reflected on the growing role of maturing laser-driven technologies and the unique features they may offer for innovative experimental studies.
While the program covered a broad spectrum of radiation modalities—from X-rays and electrons to neutrons and heavy charged particles—the strong presence of particle therapy contributions underscored the German radiation research community’s continued commitment to this field.
More information about the workshop is available here:
https://indico.eli-laser.eu/event/232/
