A Particle Training Network for European Radiotherapy (PARTNER) has been established in response to the critical need for reinforcing research in ion therapy and the training of professionals in the rapidly emerging field of hadron therapy.

This is an interdisciplinary, multinational initiative, which has the primary goal of training researchers who will help to improve the overall efficiency of ion therapy in cancer treatment, and promote clinical, biological and technical developments at a pan-European level, for the benefit of all European inhabitants.

This need has particular urgency since two particle therapy facilities will soon become operational in Heidelberg, and Pavia. These are the first dual particle therapy centres to be built in Europe.