Măgurele

Măgurele is a town located in Ilfov County, Romania, situated just southwest of Bucharest. It is known primarily as a research and development hub, hosting several important scientific institutions. The most prominent of these is the Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), a leading research institution in Romania specializing in nuclear physics, astrophysics, and related fields.

Măgurele is the location of the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP), a pan-European research facility that houses one of the world's most powerful lasers. ELI-NP aims to conduct groundbreaking research in areas such as nuclear physics, laser-matter interactions, and fundamental physics.

Beyond its scientific importance, Măgurele has a growing residential area and is increasingly becoming integrated into the Bucharest metropolitan area. The town is undergoing development to support the growing community of researchers and professionals attracted by the scientific institutions located there.

Historically, Măgurele was a smaller settlement before its development as a research center. Its proximity to Bucharest and the availability of land facilitated the establishment of these scientific institutions. The area continues to evolve, balancing its scientific identity with the needs of a growing urban population.