TERA Foundation

The TERA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of hadron therapy, a form of radiotherapy that uses protons and carbon ions to treat cancer. Founded in 1992 by physicist Ugo Amaldi, the foundation played a pivotal role in the creation of the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) in Italy. TERA focuses on the design and optimization of particle accelerators, such as cyclotrons and linacs, specifically tailored for medical applications. Its mission encompasses research, education, and the promotion of advanced oncological treatments to improve patient outcomes in cases of radio-resistant tumors. The foundation collaborates extensively with international research centers like CERN to translate high-energy physics technology into clinical practice. Through its innovative designs like the TULIP and CABOTO systems, TERA aims to make hadron therapy more compact and accessible for hospitals worldwide.