HBF Scientific Lab

University · research institute · industry

Collaborate with HBF Network

Help shape the research, build the first prototype and establish the evidence for the next stage.

proposed 24-month programme non-fusion first milestone university-supervised scope agreed jointly

Who we are and what we are asking

HBF Network is an early-stage research initiative with the long-term ambition of developing a hydrogen–boron (p–¹¹B) fusion reactor. We are seeking university, research institute and industry partners for a proposed 24-month research collaboration focused on the first experimental milestone.

Our immediate goal is to investigate direct charged-particle energy conversion — recovering energy from charged particles as electricity — and develop an experimental prototype supported by physics-based modelling, AI, computer vision and controlled automation.

Our current work centres on computational models and research software. We are looking for partners to review these foundations, refine the research questions and help develop an independently evaluated experimental programme.

Four connected areas

Together, we would investigate four connected areas. A partner need not cover all of them — a contribution to any one is a starting point.

01

Physics and energy conversion

Model particle behaviour, evaluate conversion concepts and compare predictions with experimental measurements.

02

AI and machine learning

Explore faster modelling, design optimisation and experiment selection, with clearly defined baselines and uncertainty.

03

Computer vision

Develop calibrated imaging methods for alignment, diagnostics and repeatable measurement.

04

Robotics and automation

Evaluate controlled positioning and automated workflows that improve experimental consistency.

The first physical milestone

A university-supervised, non-fusion demonstrator. Its purpose would be to evaluate the proposed subsystem and establish reliable measurement methods. Results would guide the scope of subsequent fusion-relevant research.

From a partner

What we welcome

Partners who can contribute scientific expertise, experimental capabilities or research support.

Potential collaborations include academic mentorship, joint research projects, model validation, access to suitable facilities, instrumentation development and jointly prepared funding applications. Student and thesis projects may also be explored where they meet the participating institutions' academic requirements.

From HBF

What we contribute

HBF would contribute its existing research software, modelling work, AI and data-analysis development, technical documentation and project coordination.

Together, we would define a research question that supports both the project's development and the partner's scientific interests.

The proposed 24-month programme

The programme would progress through four phases.

  1. Months 1–6 Scope and review

    Agree the research scope, review the models, define evaluation criteria and prepare funding proposals.

  2. Months 7–12 Build and first measurements

    Develop the experimental setup and collect initial prototype measurements.

  3. Months 13–18 Refine and evaluate independently

    Refine the approach, assess repeatability and arrange independent evaluation.

  4. Months 19–24 Consolidate and define the next stage

    Consolidate the findings, prepare appropriate research outputs and define the next development stage.

The programme's scope and schedule would be agreed jointly, with experimental work dependent on funding and facility access. Responsibilities, costs, intellectual property, data access and publication arrangements would be established before work begins.

What we aim to produce

Reproducible models
Computational models that another group can run and check independently, rather than results that have to be taken on trust.
Documented experimental results
Measurements recorded with their methods, calibration and conditions, so they can be compared against the model predictions that preceded them.
A clear assessment of technical limitations
An explicit account of what the work does not establish, which is as much a part of the output as what it does.
A credible foundation for follow-on research
Evidence and methods at a standard that supports the next funding stage and the next set of research questions.

Where the current work stands

The computational foundations we are asking partners to review are public and running on this site. The seven laboratories carry the models, and the method reference states the equations, data sources and validity domain behind each one.

The published case study is a worked example of the review standard we are proposing: a cross-code comparison of the equilibrium solver against an independent implementation, with every numerical error, limitation and reproduction command stated. Model validation of this kind is one of the collaboration areas listed above.

Discuss a collaboration

If your group's expertise aligns with this work

We would welcome a conversation about a shared research question and a practical first contribution. Contact HBF Network to introduce your research interests and request the 24-month research proposal.

Hardip Bhesaniya · info@hbfnetwork.deAlso reachable at hardipbhesaniya03@gmail.com

Request the proposal Review the current work

Detailed proposed programme

Review milestone evidence, first-month tasks and illustrative budget assumptions. These are planning proposals; partnerships, funding, facilities and measured performance have not been secured by this software release.