JRC Ispra : a 50 year pictorial history.
Date: 2009-05-13
Institutions: Joint Research Centre
Subjects: Joint Research Centre, historical account

JRC ISPRA

A 50 year pictorial history

1

European Commission
Joint Research Centre

Legal Notice 
Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission  
is responsible for the use which might be made of this publication.

A great deal of additional information on the European Union is available on the Internet.
It can be accessed through the Europa server http://europa.eu/.

JRC49907

ISBN: 978-92-79-09696-9
Catalogue number: LB-81-09-557-EN-C
DOI: 10.2788/70110

Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities

© European Communities, 2009

Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

Printed in Belgium

3

T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

FOREwORD By ROLAND SChENkEL .............................................5
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the JRC Ispra site

DEvELOPmENT OF ThE ISPRA SITE ..............................................7
The First years
Nuclear Facilities
maps of the Ispra site from 1958–2008
Relocation of the madonna of monteggia
From Ispra-1 to ESSOR and the Nuclear mission
Applied Nuclear Research
Reorientation in the 1980’s ........................................................35
Tackling Environmental Issues – The EcoCentre
The EcoCentre – New Constructions and Laboratories
The high Density Area
The New Ecological Footprint
Ispra today

SOCIAL FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE ................................53
Family housing and Schooling
Onsite Support Services

ThE wAy FORwARD ...................................................................59
The Science Zone
First Projects Finished in 2009

LANDSCAPE AND NATURE ..........................................................65

EPILOgUE By DAvID wILkINSON ...............................................73

4

A north-west facing view of the JRC’s Ispra site and the east shore 
of Lake Maggiore in Italy. Photo taken in the 1980’s.

Foreword

IN CELEBRATION OF ThE 50 Th ANNIvERSARy OF ThE JRC ISPRA SITE

5

Since the beginning of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) there has been a wealth 
of publications describing the wide-ranging scope of research carried out at the 
Ispra site. however, none have illustrated how the JRC has transformed over the 
past five decades in such a “pittoresque” way as this brochure does. 

This brochure takes you back to 1959 when the Italian nuclear authorities 
passed the site on to the JRC (signature and handing over on July 22, 1959, in 
Rome). It shows how the Ispra site has been evolving from then to the present 
day. Starting out as a nuclear research centre, the site became home to also non 
nuclear scientific disciplines, all of them with the aim of improving the well-
being of the European citizen, covering research in areas of the environment and 
sustainability, natural and man-made hazards, health and consumer protection 
issues and many others.

I am sure that for many of you who have worked in Ispra the brochure will bring 
back fond memories. For others, it will show just how much the JRC Ispra site 
has changed over the last 50 years. Today, Ispra is the third largest site of the 
European Commission, well noted by the Institutions of the European Union and 
recognised in the world of science and technology. 

I hope you will enjoy reading this brochure as much as I did.

Roland Schenkel 
Director-General, JRC

6

Rural landscape 
Delivery of the IBM 7090 Computer for Scientific Applications.

Development of the Ispra site

T hE  FI R S T y E A R S

7

The Italian Centre in Ispra originally belonged to the Comitato Nazionale per 
l’Energie Nucleare (CNEN) and was officially transferred to the Community on 
march 1, 1961. In the summer of 1960, a programme of building construction was 
embarked upon in order to satisfy the increased need for laboratory space, work-
shops, testing sheds and offices to extend the existing infrastructure. By 1962, 
many buildings were ready for use. In addition to various wooden buildings, 
priority was given to nine prefabricated metal buildings for office and laboratory 
space, the European Scientific Data Processing Centre, buildings for solids de-
contamination, metallurgy, health physics and technology sections together with 
a chemical laboratory and a central workshop. In addition, the existing laborato-
ries were extended and the first stage of the construction of the European School 
in varese was completed. 

At the same time a network of roads and the necessary infrastructure for produc-
tion and distribution of electricity and heat, water supplies and processing of 
waste and telecommunications were developed. Staff accommodation was a seri-
ous problem but CNEN and the Commission assisted to solve this. 

8

Signature of the Treaties of Rome 
On 25 March 1957, the signature of the Treaty on 
the European Economic Community (EEC) and the 
Treaty on the European Atomic Energy Commu-
nity (Euratom) took place. Article 8 established a 
Joint Nuclear Research Centre to ensure research 
programmes and tasks assigned to it by the Com-
mission and establish a uniform nuclear terminology 
and a standard system of measurements.

The JRC site in 1956 (top) and 1959 (bottom).
The JRC site in 1956 (top) and 1959 (bottom).

Development of the Ispra site

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9

22 July 1959 in Rome - formal signature and ceremony of handing over the Ispra Centre 
CNEN  (Centro dal Comitato Nazionale per l’Energia Nucleare) to the Community.

Official ceremony in Varese of the handing over of 
the Ispra site from CNEN to the Community after 
ratification by the Italian parliament. 

Ispra-1
The construction by CNEN of the first research reactor was completed 
on 24 March 1959 and inaugurated in the same year. This first nuclear 
reactor in Italy was named Ispra-1.

10

Development of the Ispra site

NU C L E A R  FA C I L I T I E S

11

Ispra-1
1958 – The Ispra-1 control room, waiting for the reactor to go critical.

Ispra-1
Remote handling device for the change of fuel rods in the Ispra-1 reactor.

12

1958

1958

Added by 1964

Added by 1995

1958-1995

2005

2008

Development of the Ispra site

m A P S O F ThE  IS P R A  SI T E F R Om   1 9 5 8 – 2 0 0 8

13

In 1958 the Ispra site only had a basic road structure. The facilities available at 
Ispra covered an area of 9500m2. By march 1961 it was extended to 12500m2. On 
31 march 1961 the total EURATOm staff at Ispra amounted to 810 persons, includ-
ing 250 former CNEN personnel.

At the beginning of 1961 several European architectural studios started to draw 
up a draft design to improve the Centre. In October 1962, two firms submitted 
detailed designs. By 1962 the total laboratory and office space increased to 
15500m2. The peak occupancy was in 1968 with some 2300 staff including non-
permanent staff, scientific visitors, students and research fellows.

Since 1973, non-nuclear research evolved rapidly, especially in topics related to 
safety and the environment. These activities required different types of build-
ings and infrastructural services with smaller laboratories and more offices. most 
buildings and infrastructure installations were built over the period 1958-1975, at 
a time when environmental and energy saving considerations were not a prime 
concern.

however, in 1992 the results of a study led to a proposal to convert the JRC Ispra 
site into an environmentally-optimised model site – the “ECO Centre”.

14

The small agricultural community of Monteggia was part of Ispra, 
before the ESSOR reactor construction in 1959.

Development of the Ispra site

RE L O C A T I O N O F ThE m A D O N N A O F m O N T Eg gI A

15

As the area of Monteggia was to be demolished, the 
statue of the Madonna was transported in a religious 
procession to a new location. The original Madonna 
is now in Barza and a copy of the Madonna was 
placed in front of the ESSOR reactor.

The Madonna of Monteggia.

16

FROM MONTEGGIA TO THE NUCLEAR PERIOD

View from old Monteggia
The old houses of Monteggia and the dome of  
ESSOR reactor in the background.

Development of Ispra site

FR Om   IS P R A- 1  T O  E S S O R  A N D ThE  NU C L E A R m I S S I O N

17

Experience Critique Orgel (ECO)
Group picture with the first director of EURATOM, Dr. Gerhard Ritter after the 
foundation ceremony.

Essai Orgel ( ESSOR) construction phase
In 1962 the decision was taken to build ESSOR. The reactor is in a pressure vessel 
of 45m2 at  a height of 45m; 12m of which is underground. The buildings surround-
ing the reactor are hot laboratories, workshops and standard laboratories. The 
reactor was built by a European consortium, comprising Groupement Atomique Al-
sacienne Atlantique (GAAA, France), Interatom (Germany) and Montecatini (Italy).

18

Building 51 – Radio Protection
This is the only building which is located outside the JRC premises. It was 
built at the end of the 1960’s and hosted the control room to monitor 
radiation levels. Legally, the control room had to be at an appropriate 
distance from the reactors.

1

CETIS
CETIS (Centre Européen de Traitement de l’information Scientifique) was the first 
European Centre for scientific information. It was built in 1964.

2

Development of the Ispra site

1

2

Technology Hall in the background, design offices and various laboratories in the foreground.

Chemistry laboratories

Technology Hall

Office building

Electronic laboratories

20

Central Workshop
Personnel in front of the Central Workshop in the 1960’s, during the construction phase.

Development of the Ispra site

Ispra Train Station

Technical Design Office

Reproduction and 
Photocopy Centre

21

Opening of the Central Workshop on 11 May, 1962.

Construction of the Central Workshop, with wooden buildings in the fore-
ground for the workmen. One can see that the housing density of Ispra was 
very low in 1964.

22

1

Meteorological Tower
The meteorological tower was constructed to monitor critical weather 
parameters. It also served as the main lightning conductor in the JRC. 
The tower was located opposite to the Mensa.

1

Development of the Ispra site

23

1

2

Entrance
The main entrance/exit to the JRC in the early 1960’s and a multilingual roadsign.

2

Waste Management

24

Construction of ECO (Orgel critical experiment)
After the ratification with the Italian government, scientific work in some departments started in spring 1961. 
In 1963 further extensions of the research installations continued. 

ECO 
The ECO (Orgel critical experiment) building was used for the 
study of critical parameters of the ESSOR reactor. Construction was 
finished in 1964.

ESSOR
The ESSOR reactor in Ispra began operation in 1967, following several years of planning. ESSOR stands for 
“Essai ORGEL”, ORGEL being an acronym for “Organique-Eau Lourde”, since the reactor was based on a novel 
concept using organic liquid coolant and heavy water as moderator. After 16 years of research, the reactor 
was shut down in 1983.

26

 
Development of the Ispra site

27

The ESSOR complex
At the beginning of the 1980’s re-examination of the mandate and evaluation of the activities of the JRC be-
gan. Future activities were to continue to support the Commission’s implementations of Community policies. 
However, in 1986 major Community R&D programmes were launched with a distinctly industrial orientation. 
This sparked the construction of large installations throughout the JRC.

Offices for outside firms 

Material studies and 
research with X-rays

Electricity plant

Technical offices for ESSOR

ESSOR

Laboratory for 
fuel elements

28

ESSOR

Medium level activity 
laboratory with hot cells 

Pipelines bringing radioactive 
waters to bldg. 52 for treatment

Liquid effluents treat-
ment facility (bldg. 52)

Ispra-1
Reactor

Physics department 
(bldg. 44)

ECO
Orgel critical 
experiment

Development of the Ispra site

29

ESSOR
The construction of the ESSOR reactor started in 
1963, whilst in 1962, the construction of the reactor 
ECO (ORGEL critical experiment) was launched.

Valcuvia

“Typical” Lombard Haze

Campo dei Fiori

Heat Transfer Hall 
(loops) - Offices Heat 
Transfer

30

Technology Hall (Finzi Hall)

Technology
Laboratories and offices 
for Technology Hall

Servomechanics 
(under control of 
CNEN - Comitato  
Nazionale per 
l’Energia Nucleare) 
bldg. 26

Physical – Chemistry bldg. 28

Electron Microscopy bldg. 28A

Viale dei Laboratori

Research zone
Aerial photo showing principal research installations.

Development of the Ispra site

AP P L I E D  NU C L E A R  RE S E A R Ch

31

According to the programme of development for nuclear reactors, it was pro-
posed to build a series of laboratories specialised in various fields for research 
closely connected to the Ispra-1 reactor. It was necessary to construct a labora-
tory for the study of the physics of the reactor, of nuclear and of solid state phys-
ics; a laboratory to examine the engineering problems of the reactor, a chemical 
laboratory, an electronics laboratory and one for the study of the servomecha-
nism and controls, as well as a ‘hot’ chemistry laboratory which followed. 

Varese

CLP Personnel Committee

Ispra-1

Electronics bldg. 27

Chemistry bldg. 29 

Storage place 
for gas bottles

Accelerator

32

The European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA) 
The largest European laboratory for testing innovative design concepts at large scale was inau-
gurated in October 1992 and was part of the re-orientation of activities in the JRC. This is a unique 
technological tool at the disposal of the European construction industry at large. The reaction wall 
is used for testing large-scale models of buildings, bridges and cultural heritage structures. 

1

1

3

2

Development of the Ispra site

NEw   RE S E A R Ch   AR E A S

33

2

ESTI
The European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) began its activities in the measure-
ment and testing of Photovoltaic Solar modules in the late 1970’s.

3

SOLAR HOUSE
The Solar House was inaugurated in 1976. The south wall is covered with various 
self-orienting types of solar collectors and these were tested to measure perform-
ance and to estimate endurance, resistance to corrosion, rain, hail and snow. 

34

PETRA
In the 1980’s, as a part of its Radioactive Waste Management and Fuel Cycle 
Research Programme, JRC Ispra installed the experimental facility of PETRA 
(Process Evaluation and Testing for Radwaste Management) in the hot cells of 
INE (Impianto Nucleare ESSOR). Petra was designed to operate at a pre-indus-
trial fully active scale on high-burn-up fuel material with the goal of imple-
menting various treatment and conditioning processes on the waste streams 
produced. The last nuclear test was performed in 1993.

LOBI – Loop Off-Normal Behaviour Investigations 
In the aftermath of the Three Mile Island accident in 1979, the LOBI project was 
launched. The project focused on assessing reactor safety analysis. In 1979, 
part of building 24, the former Technology Hall, was refurbished. The objective 
was to investigate the thermo-hydraulic behaviour of the reactor during a loss 
of coolant accidents. In 1984 it was extensively modified, it operated from April 
1984 and was stopped in June 1991, after completion of the planned experimental 
programme. 

Development of the Ispra site

RE O R I E N T A T I O N I N ThE  1 9 8 0 ’S

35

SUPERSARA
The SARA and SUPERSARA test rigs were designed and realised in 1982/83 in or-
der to perform experiments on the behaviour of PWR (pressurized water reactor), 
BWR (boiling water reactor) and CIRENE (CISE-Centro Italiano Studi Esperienze 
REattore a NEbbia – fog-smog reactor) fuel clusters.

PERLA
PERLA is a laboratory for the assessment and performance evaluation of non-
destructive assay (NDA) techniques applied in the safeguarding of nuclear 
materials.

Development of the Ispra site

Cyclotron
Today the JRC’s Scanditronix MC40 Cyclotron is a versatile light ion accelerator with seven beamlines. It was 
commissioned in the early 1980’s, and used initially for radiation damage studies on materials for nuclear fu-
sion reactors. Nowadays it is primarily devoted to health applications, with daily production of radionuclides 
for medical imaging, and a number of research projects in Nuclear Medicine and Nanotechnology.

36

European Microwave Signature Laboratory (EMSL)
In 1989 the JRC and Siemens signed the contract to construct the EMSL in Ispra.  
The inauguration was celebrated on 13 April, 1992. This facility allows to simulate 
air-and space imaging radar measurements of natural and man made targets. 
The EMSL laboratory provides a unique combination of measurements capabili-
ties, covering a wide range of frequencies providing opportunities for mono- as 
well as bi- and multi static measurements that are fully coherent, polarimetric 
and at a high spatial resolution. Today EMSL performs security research monitor-
ing – from environmental research to ultrawide band communication.

Development of the Ispra site

37

38

Development of the Ispra site

TA CkL I Ng   ENvI R O NmE N T A L  IS S U E S  –   T hE  EC OCE N T R E

39

At the beginning of the 1990’s, the JRC started a fundamental transformation.

In 1994, a master plan was developed for progressive long-term remedial action, 
remodelling the site in an ecologically and esthetically sensitive, yet economi-
cally feasible, fashion. The site  was to be divided into the following zones: 
The High Density Zone, what is today referred to as “Science Zone” - with new 
laboratories, offices and a fairly compact urban building structure connecting 
buildings by pedestrian walkways. This was to become the core area for the 
future Eco Centre.
The Entrance Zone – with the Reception building, the mensa, the Administration 
buildings and a new visitors’ Centre.
The Eastern Zone – with all the nuclear installations and some infrastructural 
facilities. It was planned to fence this area in compliance with nuclear safety rules 
and security provisions. 
The Western Zone – with sufficient room for enlargement towards the north.
The road system would be removed and downgraded to cycle and pedestrian paths.

New building rules and projects were agreed and the following were completed:
• 
• 
• 

Retrofitting of various buildings to reduce heat/energy loss
Construction of the co-generation plant
Covering the south facing wall of ELSA (European Laboratory for Structural 
Assessment) with solar panels
Construction of the ECvAm building (European Centre for the validation of 
Alternative methods)
Construction of the ECB building (European Chemical Laboratory)
Canteen roof fitting

• 

• 
• 

40

High Density Zone
In front of the high density zone and the Gemelli buildings (in yellow), a lake 
has been planned. The lake should be crossed by a light bridge connecting the 
Entrance Zone with the Canteen and the Central place.

Development of the Ispra site

2

1

T h E   E C O C E N T R E   –   N E w   C O N S T R U C T I O N S   A N D   L A B O R A T O R I E S

41

1

New Mensa
The south facade of the mensa was retrofi tted with the intension to create a 
comfort zone using natural and mechanical ventilation. Control factors were 
air temperature, relative humidity and air speed. It was a fi rst contribution to 
research in the fi eld of bioclimatic design. 

2

ELSA photovoltaic south facade
In 1996 a new south facade of the ELSA building was refi tted with amorphous 
silicon photovoltaic panels and was, at that time, the largest facade of its type 
in the world.  After 11 years of operation all modules are still operating with a 
nominal peak power of 21 kW. By modern standards this is relatively low, but the 
system has  produced 153 MWh over the years and the panel effi ciency has now 
fully stabilized. 

High Density Zone
Overview of the High Density Zone planned as a part of the Eco Centre Project.

ELSA 
(European Laboratory for Structural Assessment)

ESTI
(European Solar Test Installation)

Conference Centre

42

Development of the Ispra site

T hE h Ig h   DE N S I Ty   AR E A

43

ECB
(European Chemicals Bureau)

ECvAm
(European Centre for the validation of Alternative methods)

44

1

IES / IPSC
The twin buildings 26 A and 26 B, also known as Gemelli, host the Institute for Environment and Sustainabil-
ity (left) and the Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen (right). These buildings are part of the 
EcoCentre project which started in 1996.

2

3

1

Development of the Ispra site

T hE  NEw   EC O L OgI C A L  FO O T P R I N T

45

2

Water Purification Plant
The Water Purification Plant was built at the end of the 1970’s and serves 
the whole site; it also treats part of waste water from the Ispra municipality. 
The cleaned water is discharged into the Torrente Novellino that flows into 
the Lago Maggiore. In 1999 a further disinfection system, which uses UV-C 
rays, was installed.

3

Co-generation Plant
In September 2004, the co-generation plant went into operation. Since then it 
has supplied nearly 100% of the site’s needs of electric, thermal and cooling 
energy. The efficiency gains resulting from the co-generation have allowed the 
JRC Ispra to save some 30% of primary energy (methane gas) and the same 
amount of greenhouse gases, as compared to conventional generation of en-
ergy. The picture shows the installation of one of the four Otto engines. 

46

Main Entrance
In the late 1980’s the entrance gate could no 
longer cope with the increased traffic and security 
requirements. Modernisation and enlargement were 
necessary. The main entrance was increased from 2 
to 5 lanes and a car park was built outside the JRC 
for visitors. Today, on average 200 visitors enter and 
exit the JRC each day. The daily car traffic is around 
1200 cars per day. 

Entrance gate in 2007
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome which gave 
birth to the JRC, the Ispra entrance gate was transformed into the Branden-
burg Gate for a period of 6 months, celebrating the reunification of Europe.

Development of the Ispra site

IS P R A T O D Ay

47

48

1

Administration (Bldg. 6) 
The Administration building hosts part of the JRC’s support services including the 
Headquarters of the Ispra Site Directorate, JRC Personnel, Accounting and Planning 
Departments as well as services of the Commission Paymaster’s Office (PMO).

3

2

1

Development of the Ispra site

49

2

Scientific Library
Built in 1985, this building initially hosted the Professional School as part of the 
Central Workshop. Since the late 1990’s, it accommodates the Ispra site Library.

3

Maintenance
The Site Maintenance & Operations Building and the Site Development Building 
in 2006.

50

1

Fire Brigade
The Ispra site’s own fire brigade, since recently renamed into “Site Response 
and Support Team”, does not only intervene in case of fire or road accidents, 
but is also responsible for fire prevention and environmental protection.   

2

ENEA
ENEA (Ente per le Nuove Technologie, l’Energia e l’Ambiente) started research 
in Ispra in 1956 under the CNRN (Comitato Nazionale per le Ricerche Nucleare). 
In 1988, ENEA constructed its own building on the Ispra site. The building is 
divided in 4 parts and hosts administration, meeting rooms, a technology hall 
and offices. The water collectors and solar panels are examples of bioclimatic 
architecture.

3

1

4

2

Development of the Ispra site

51

3

ESTI
The European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) initially developed characterisation 
and measurement techniques to support the European Commission’s DGXII 
(now DG Research) activities on non-nuclear energy.

4

IHCP
The Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP) provides scientific sup-
port for the development and implementation of EU policies related to health 
and consumer protection.

52

Foresteria
In 1960 the Italian government was to build a total of 1500 apartments for the personnel of JRC Ispra,  to be 
completed by 1965. The so-called “Residenze” consisted of 38 apartments for personnel who needed to live  
close to work. Only 30 Foresterias for visitors and 18 Fontanone for families were built next to the Centre. 
Another 50 apartments were constructed by the CNEN in Cardana (village close to Ispra) as well as 50 apart-
ments in Cocquio close to Besozzo. In Brebbia 30 more wooden houses were built. 

Social Facilities and Infrastructure

FAmI Ly  h O U S I Ng  A N D  SChO O L I Ng

53

A large research centre such as Ispra requires well developed social/family sup-
port services and facilities. At the outset, in the early 1960’s, a library, medical 
service, workshop, central store, vehicle maintenance, some lodging, a canteen, 
chapel, museum and water supply were functional and available. The following 
decade saw a considerable expansion of services and facilities, some of which 
are illustrated under this section. Nowadays the JRC Ispra strives to continuously 
improve services and facilities in order to provide both a stimulating working en-
vironment, as well as a suitable social environment for its staff and their families.

54

Fontanone
Homes for families of short-term JRC staff.

European School
On 19 September 1960 the European School in Varese opened. The courses 
started in 2 buildings which were seconded by the Comune of Varese, with 9 
teachers and 9 pupils. On 23 March 1961 the first stone of the new European 
School was laid and the teaching in the new building started on 8 January 1962. 
At the beginning of the school year 1964 the number of pupils had risen to 808 
and 58 teachers. The European Baccalaureate is recognised as qualification for 
university entrance in all the Member States.

Social Facilities and Infrastructure

Tennis Club
The Club started in 1962 and the development was slow. The first tennis court 
was rented in a private garden of a family villa. Soon after that, the tennis 
court in Taino and the one in Luvinate joined the Club. With financial assist-
ance for social activities from the Commission, the Club House and the tennis 
courts were built. Today the Club is certainly one of the best in the area, with 7 
courts, 3 of which are covered.

Club House
The Club House was built in 1975 and modernised in the late 1990’s. It is a 
private structure reserved for the JRC staff and their families, pensioners and 
members of the JRC sports and social clubs. The various conference and meet-
ing rooms are used today for scientific meetings as well as cultural events.

Post
The first post office on the site.

56

1

Mensa
The “vecchia mensa” or old canteen already existed when the Ispra site was 
handed over to the JRC. Initially the canteen managed to serve about 300 lunches, 
however, the mensa was also open for dinner.

3

1

2

Social Facilities and Infrastructure

ON S I T E  SU P P O R T  SE RvI C E S

57

2

Medical Centre
The Medical Centre was completed in 1965. The Medical Service is responsible for 
health and safety at the JRC Ispra site and comprises conventional medicine as 
well as nuclear medicine and safety. Occupational health includes monitoring and 
safeguarding the workers’ health and their working environment.

Local Staff Representation
The local staff committee and unions building, built in 1965. The local staff 
committee represents the interests of the staff and is elected every 3 years.

3

58

Science Zone
Planned “Science Zone” designed to concentrate scientific activities at the cen-
tre of the site, with easy access to conference facilities.

The Way Forward

T hE  SC I E N C E  ZO N E

59

The Ispra site is particularly concerned with the fragmentation of its scientific ac-
tivities over many small, often outdated buildings, and located in different zones 
of the site. This reduces efficiency, prevents sharing of laboratories, hampers 
communication and exchange between and across research groups. To address 
these problems, JRC Ispra has adopted a comprehensive development plan 
which is aimed at concentrating the scientific activities at the centre of the site 
(“Science Zone”).

The plan foresees in particular the construction of the following new facilities:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Environmental research building
Life Sciences research building
Security-related research building
multipurpose meeting facility and canteen
kindergarten - Crèche

The crèche entered into operation in march 2009 whilst the buildings for environ-
mental and life sciences research are in an advanced state of planning.

Map showing the dispersion of the Institutes 
over the site and the intended “Science Zone”.

Security Research 
building

60

The Environmental Research Building construction is 
expected to start in 2009. The construction of a further 
building for life sciences is in the planning phase.

multipurpose meeting 
and canteen building

Life Sciences 
Building

Environmental 
Research Building

Pedestrian way

The way Forward

61

1

3

2

Site Development
Designs for the new research facilities to form the core of the new Ispra Science 
Zone. This picture shows the east-west facade and an atrium amidst the twin-
winged buildings.

 
62

The new Auditorium
This provides the Ispra site with large-scale, modern conference facilities, seating up to 270 people and 
featuring state of the art audio-visual technology and interpreters’ booths. Smaller meeting facilities are 
available adjacent to the central room. This facility was officially opened on 10 October, 2008.

The way Forward

FI R S T  PR O J E C T S  FI N I ShE D I N  2 0 0 9

63

The new Kindergarten
Construction of the new Kindergarten (Crèche) near the Foresteria. From March 2009 on, this 
new structure replaced the previous facilities which were accomodated in several buildings. 
A total of 86 places for children aged 0-4 will be available, embedded in a modern, children-
friendly environment.

64

Landscape and Nature

65

The JRC Ispra covers an area of about 166 hectares and has 36 km of roads and  
6 km perimeter fencing. 109 hectares are tended green areas and about 27 ha are 
wooded areas. The JRC is divided into various green areas:
• 

Ornamental areas, which are small gardens with shrubs and bushes mainly 
around the buildings
Landscape gardens, which are further away from buildings and cover bigger 
areas with climbers, trees, hedges and flowers
woods
grassland

• 

• 
• 

In the woods and grassland, nature is left to flourish, representing a considerable 
environmental value. These relatively wild areas are a haven for flora and fauna 
with minimal disturbance by humans. 

It is the policy of the JRC to preserve and protect such wilder areas.

66

Gardens
A colourful welcome at the main entrance.

Pheasant
Wild life can flourish throughout the Ispra site.

Landscape and Nature

67

Walkways
Footpath crisscrossing the Ispra site to encourage walking to the Mensa.

68

Woods
Park surrounding the laboratories.

The wetland areas
The pond and the air pollution monitoring station on its shore.

Landscape and Nature

69

70

Seasonal impressions of the Ispra site.

71

72

Ispra site
The site covers an area of 166 hectares, and has 36 kms of roads and 6 km of perimeter fencing. There are 
about 140 heated buildings with roughly 1850 staff plus external organisations and  daily visitors. It hosts 3 
scientific institutes and support services.

Epilogue

DAvI D w I LkI N S O N

73

After 50 years of development, Ispra is firmly established as one of Europe’s 
leading research campuses. Nested in the beautiful setting of the Italian lakes, 
Ispra provides a fascinating, multicultural working environment for almost 2000 
people from all over Europe and beyond. Supported by well-trained administrative 
staff, some of Europe’s most brilliant scientists work here on the great challenges 
of humankind, always trying to find the best possible scientific solutions for the 
well-being of the citizen and the planet. Over the past years Ispra has become a 
real trademark for excellent science in support to European policies. watching its 
development from the historical roots in the Euratom Treaty to its present shape, I 
am firmly convinced that Ispra has a bright future ahead.  

David R. Wilkinson 

Ispra Site Director           

JRC Structure

74

European Commission

JRC ISPRA
A 50 year pictorial history

JRC49907

Editors: Ulrike winter and Ciarán Nicholl
Contribution: historical Archives JRC, mr. F. geiss and mr. A. Bandirali 
Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities

ISBN: 978-92-79-09696-9
Catalogue number: LB-81-09-557-EN-C
DOI: 10.2788/70110
graphic Design & Layout: Nadine Bähr