Perhaps you’ve heard of a Romanian town where science reigns supreme? That’s Măgurele. It’s not just any town. It’s a hub of research and development. Măgurele is situated in Ilfov County. Specifically, it lies in the southwestern part of the county in the Muntenia region of Romania.
Măgurele is experiencing rapid development. New buses were recently donated from the Voluntari district. Investments are flowing into education in Vârteju. Construction is underway for a new water supply and sewage network. Even better, 85 households in Aluniș are now connected to the water and sewage network.
But what truly sets Măgurele apart are its research institutes. Despite its small size, Măgurele hosts nine different research institutes. These institutes operate on the naukograd model.
The Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering is located here. It features the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics facility. The National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics also calls Măgurele home. Then there’s the National Institute of Materials Physics. The Institute of Atomic Physics adds to Măgurele’s scientific reputation. The National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics contributes as well. The National Institute for Earth Physics studies our planet. The National Institute of Research and Development in Mechatronics and Measurement Technique develops advanced technologies. Finally, the National Research & Development Institute for Non-ferrous and Rare Metals completes the lineup.
Măgurele Science Park is the largest science park in Romania. It encompasses many of these research institutes. Between 1957 and 1998, a Soviet VVRS research reactor operated here. It is now closed. The Faculty of Physics of the University of Bucharest is also in Măgurele.
Măgurele achieved a major milestone in 2019. The high power laser system project reached a power of 10 petawatts. This made it the most powerful laser in the world.
Măgurele was officially declared a town in 2004. The 2021 census recorded a population of 14,414. Four villages are administered by Măgurele. They are Alunișu, Dumitrana, Pruni, and Vârteju.
Locals stay informed through the monthly Pro Măgurele newspaper. Its name comes from a Romanian word possibly of Dacian origin. That word is “măgură”. It means “hill”.
Măgurele has produced some notable individuals. George Anania was a science-fiction writer and translator. Augustin Deleanu was a footballer.
Măgurele stands as a testament to Romania’s commitment to scientific advancement. The town’s concentration of research institutes. Its groundbreaking achievements. All solidify its place as a leading center for innovation.