About the site
The Joint Research Centre in Ispra is a major multidisciplinary hub for European research and innovation, equipped with unique laboratories and infrastructures. Established in 1960 as a nuclear research facility owned by the Italian state, Ispra is today the largest site of the JRC and the third biggest Commission site after Brussels and Luxembourg.
The Ispra site is located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, 60 km from Milan, spreading over a large area surrounded by nature. It hosts about 2,500 staff, including researchers, technical and administrative personnel, external experts and service providers, contributing to advancing research to influence EU policymaking.
Research activities
The Ispra site contributes substantially to JRC’s innovative work. Researchers here work on diverse fields including environment and sustainability, mobility and societal resilience, safety and security, health and wellbeing. The site’s research also focuses on migration and demography, digital, data and health technologies and vehicle emissions.
Nuclear research is also carried out in the site, notably on nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation and security, and the services leading the JRC’s nuclear decommissioning programme.
Furthermore, Ispra staff provides essential services supporting research including infrastructure and logistics, administration and finance, human resources, an emergency response team and a medical service.
Laboratories in Ispra
The JRC in Ispra hosts state-of-the-art laboratories designed, for example, to assess electric vehicles’ performance and study how to protect EU citizens from natural and man-made hazards, contributing significantly to quality of life across the European Union.
Advanced safeguards measurement, monitoring and modelling laboratoryA cutting-edge research and development hub dedicated to innovating containment and surveillance devices and systems for nuclear safeguards.
EU interoperability centre for electric vehicles and smart gridsThe centre combines knowledge and testing in efficiency, hybrid exhaust emissions, electromagnetic compatibility, smart grids and battery testing.
European crisis management laboratoryThe laboratory carries out research across a diverse range of areas including intentional threats and natural and man-made hazards.
European laboratory for structural assessmentA world-unique facility testing the safety of full-scale structures against earthquakes. Part of JRC Open Access initiative.
Marine optical laboratoryThe laboratory supports the JRC marine activities addressing the fitness for purpose of satellite derived data.
Nanobiotechnology flagship laboratoryA facility for studies on nano materials, nanomedicines and therapies, health surveillance technologies and micro(nano)plastics, part of the JRC Open Access initiative.
Working at JRC Ispra
The Joint Research Centre in Ispra offers outstanding professional development and learning opportunities. Employees in Ispra work on high-impact research projects that enhance EU citizens' wellbeing while enjoying excellent working conditions. And there's more:
Training and development: Opportunities to learn new skills and new languages are available in Ispra. At the site, it is possible to study Italian and learn other languages such as Spanish or French.
Leisure and sport: Social activities and clubs help staff and their families feel at home. The European Club Ispra organises recreational and cultural activities, while the several sport clubs onsite are a good way to keep active and make friends.
Childcare and schooling: Staff at Ispra can provide their children with a multilingual and multicultural education, thanks to the European School in Varese.
The JRC in Ispra offers job opportunities to scientific, technical, administrative and support staff; these are regularly published in the vacancies section of the JRC job portal.
About Ispra and its surroundings
Ispra is a quaint town situated in the province of Varese, beautifully set at the foot of the hills with a splendid view on Lake Maggiore. Ispra has around 5.000 inhabitants and is surrounded by several small neighbouring municipalities. The main and biggest town in the area is Varese, situated 20 km from Ispra. Milano, which is the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome, is situated 60 km from the site.
Ispra’s surroundings are mountainous and rich of lakes, in a region which is one of the most visited in northern Italy. Other than Lake Maggiore, which is a major holiday destination in itself, the region offers various opportunities for sport and leisure activities, ranging from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter.
Europa Science Experience
The Europa Science Experience at Ispra is a focal point for welcoming visitors to the Joint Research Centre and promoting our values and scientific work to support EU policy making.
Educational outreach
Educational outreach activities for secondary schools and universities help us disseminate our scientific knowledge and maintain constructive and positive relations at regional level.
We collaborate with key partners, including the European School of Varese, to maximize outreach and positively engage local networks, authorities and communities.
How to get to JRC Ispra
The closest airports are Milan Malpensa (25 km), Milan Linate (80 km) and Milan Bergamo Orio al Serio (100 km).
From Malpensa airport
- TILO train (Treni Regionali Ticino Lombardia) to Besozzo station. In Besozzo, take a bus from the Besozzo c.so XXV Aprile station to Ispra (bus stop is on via Mazzini, about 1 km from the JRC entrance)
- Malpensa Shuttle bus service or Malpensa Express train to Milan Central Station where you can take a train to Gallarate railway station and from Gallarate station, a train to Besozzo.
From Linate airport
- Airport bus connecting the airport to Milan Central Station in about 25 minutes (see above how to get from Milan Central Station to Ispra).
From Bergamo airport
Shuttle bus to Milan Central Station and Malpensa Airport (see above how to get from Milan Central Station/Malpensa Airport to Ispra).
Taxi services
Several private taxi services operate in Ispra and its surroundings. To ensure availability, it is recommended to book these regional taxis in advance.
Accessing JRC Ispra by car
The JRC Ispra site is easily accessible by car, with a dedicated parking area conveniently located near the main entrance.
Entrance and daily permits
To enter the site, visitors should be always registered and given a daily permit, which can be obtained at our reception upon presentation of an identity document. Please read the privacy statement regarding the collection of personal data from visitors.
- Daily permits are issued following prior request by a JRC staff member sponsoring the visit
- Visitors entering the site with any vehicle must register it
- A special entrance procedure is in place to facilitate the registration and entry of big groups.