Science
for
Future Energy

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Welcome to DIFFER

Our mission is to perform fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We host unique user facilities for energy and materials research.

News & events

Girls discover DIFFER during Girls' Day: ‘Working in STEM is fun and fascinating’

Girls Day at DIFFER

DIFFER researchers show work on Dutch television

Videominiatuur

Lizan Kivits wins DISC PhD Thesis Award 2024 (3rd prize)

Lizan Kivits DISC prize March 2025

DIFFER Seminar: Molecular hydrogen at the heart of physics

Wim Ubachs
Apr 24th - Seminar
April 24, 2025

PhD defense Thomas Bosman: Density profile and heat-exhaust control in nuclear fusion…

https://pure.tue.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/356244613/20250430_Bosman_hf.pdf
Apr 30th - PhD defense
April 30, 2025

PhD defense Devyani Sharma: Influence of steps and kinks on CO and hydrogen adsorption,…

PhD defense Devyani Sharma
May 1st - PhD defense
May 01, 2025
Research

Fusion Energy & Chemical Energy research

At DIFFER, we are carrying out groundbreaking fundamental research on energy. Our research focuses on two major energy themes: research into fusion energy as a clean, safe and sustainable energy source and research into chemical energy. Click below for more information about one of these research themes.

Facilities

Research facilities

Our facilities for Fusion Energy and Chemical Energy research are designed and operated by an experienced team of researchers and engineers. DIFFER’s world class facility Magnum-PSI is the only laboratory in the world that can investigate materials under the extreme heat and particle loads that will exist in future fusion reactors. View our facilities in the virtual tour.

Magnum-PSI
Magnum-PSI facility
Ion Beam Facility
Ion Beam Facility
Chemical Energy Labs
Chemical Energy Labs
Working at

Working in multidisciplinary teams

DIFFER believes that the performance of excellent research thrives on a balanced work force. We want to create an environment where everyone feels at home and can bring out the best in themselves.

Our network

Collaboration partners

We cannot realise sustainable and relevant energy solutions by ourselves. DIFFER works together with researchers from companies, universities, knowledge and research institutions in the Netherlands and abroad. We share our knowledge and we jointly elaborate our ideas and test systems so that these can eventually be used commercially on a large scale.

Logo ITER
Logo Aarhus University
Logo EUROfusion
Logo TU Eindhoven
Logo KIT
Logo Brightlands
Logo FZ Jülich
Logo TU Delft
Logo University of Twente