News

Only last year, IRI researchers managed to produce the most intense positron bundle in Europe. Following many years of research, they recently found a unique way to produce a slow bundle using a nuclear reactor. This new method is non-destructive: the positrons leave the material completely intact, thus allowing researchers to study very small cavities in fine layers of materials.

Besides a scientific breakthrough, experts speak of important practical applications, particularly concerning the development and innovation of computer chips.

Cutbacks necessary

The TU is heading for a five million guilders deficit in 2001, according to the official Financial Nota 2001-2005. In 2001 and 2002, the TU will receive nine million guilders less from the Ministry of Education because last year there were fewer engineering and PhD graduates than forecast. Furthermore, the university’s spendings on real estate, information and communication technology have exceeded previous estimates. Whilst the sale of the university real estate will generate extra income, increased commercial funding is needed to compensate for the reduction of governmental contributions. Because the TU wants to avoid cutbacks in education and research, the cuts will hit mainly administrative organs.

Eindhoven scores best

Professor T. van Raan’s Leiden Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) recently investigated TU Eindhoven’s performance. The investigation’s results have since been leaked to the press, revealing that the TU Eindhoven has the greatest scientific impact within the Netherlands and scores high internationally. However, last year, Van Raan’s report stated that TU Delft’s position is ‘rather strong’ compared with the two other TU’s. CWTS-investigator T. van Leeuwen explains that the two studies concern different periods: over the last few years, TU Delft has actually published more scientific articles than the other TU’s.

Opening positron centre Delft

This afternoon a symposium at the IRI will mark the official opening of its positron centre. Only last year, IRI researchers managed to produce the most intense positron bundle in Europe. Following many years of research, they recently found a unique way to produce a slow bundle using a nuclear reactor. This new method is non-destructive: the positrons leave the material completely intact, thus allowing researchers to study very small cavities in fine layers of materials.

Besides a scientific breakthrough, experts speak of important practical applications, particularly concerning the development and innovation of computer chips.

Cutbacks necessary

The TU is heading for a five million guilders deficit in 2001, according to the official Financial Nota 2001-2005. In 2001 and 2002, the TU will receive nine million guilders less from the Ministry of Education because last year there were fewer engineering and PhD graduates than forecast. Furthermore, the university’s spendings on real estate, information and communication technology have exceeded previous estimates. Whilst the sale of the university real estate will generate extra income, increased commercial funding is needed to compensate for the reduction of governmental contributions. Because the TU wants to avoid cutbacks in education and research, the cuts will hit mainly administrative organs.

Eindhoven scores best

Professor T. van Raan’s Leiden Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) recently investigated TU Eindhoven’s performance. The investigation’s results have since been leaked to the press, revealing that the TU Eindhoven has the greatest scientific impact within the Netherlands and scores high internationally. However, last year, Van Raan’s report stated that TU Delft’s position is ‘rather strong’ compared with the two other TU’s. CWTS-investigator T. van Leeuwen explains that the two studies concern different periods: over the last few years, TU Delft has actually published more scientific articles than the other TU’s.