CATHI (Cryogenics, Accelerators and Targets at HIE-ISOLDE) is a mono-site Initial Training Network (ITN) in FP7 that took place between 2010 and 2014 at CERN, the main host institution. It offered research training in the application of advanced accelerator technology, beam instrumentation, ultra-high vacuum, cryogenics, radiation protection and advanced material technologies at ISOLDE, one of Europe’s leading radioactive ion beam facilities at CERN, and its upgrade, HIE-ISOLDE. By integrating the complementary, multidisciplinary and intersectorial expertise of the associated partners, and through visiting scientists and the secondment of young researchers to the associated partners, this ITN strengthened Europe’s human resources in key technologies for enhancing industry competitiveness in domains where there exist technology gaps with other high-tech economies.

The young researchers were supervised and mentored by internationally recognized experts and had access to state-of-the-art equipment. Hands-on training was supplemented with formal training courses in relevant and related fields, and a wide variety of complementary training courses, colloquia and seminars. Mobility within the ITN ensured exposure to complementary research and industry environments.

The young scientists trained within CATHI will play a major role in the construction and exploitation of future European large-scale facilities for nuclear physics: EURISOL, ESS, ISIS Upgrade, CERN-SPL, Med-AUSTRON, MYRRHA, Neutrino Factory, for which they will no doubt be in great demand.