Tag: project

PETRA IV project – moving forward towards funding

PETRA IV project – moving forward towards funding

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has officially confirmed PETRA IV is participating in the “National Prioritization Procedure for Large-scale Research Infrastructures.  A team from DESY has prepared a short concept according to the BMBF’s specifications. The concept of the conversion of PETRA III into a state-of-the-art 4th generation X-ray light source is entitled: “PETRA IV – the ultimate 4D X-ray microscope”. The next major milestone for PETRA IV will be the approval of the overall project. A funding commitment by mid-2026 at the latest is important for further planning to avoid major delays in implementation. As the shortlist is not linked to a funding commitment, it will be up to the future government to provide the funding. DESY is ready to realise PETRA IV on time and within budget. The project team of about 50 people has worked out the technical design and has already completed other important planning steps. Thanks to start-up funding, a preparatory programme was launched in September 2024. As a result, the planning and construction of prototypes for PETRA IV are progressing. Thanks to the advanced stage of planning, PETRA IV’s construction can start immediately after approval. Further preparatory work will take place between 2027 and 2029. The existing PETRA III complex is scheduled to be shut down in December 2029. The first light from PETRA IV is expected in 2032.

Read more on DESY website

Image: Visualisation of the future PETRA IV tunnel

Credit: Science Communication Lab, DESY

SOLARIS International Projects – NEPHEWS

SOLARIS International Projects – NEPHEWS

NEPHEWS (NEutrons and PHotons Elevating Worldwide Science), led by SOLARIS, is a project designed to provide scientists with access to world-class European research infrastructures.

The NEPHEWS project integrate two European Users Organisations: ESUO (European Synchrotron and Free Electron Laser User Organisation) and ENSA (European Neutron Scattering Association), with two largest and most advanced consortia, LEAPS (League of European Accelerator-based Photon Sources) and LENS (League of advanced European Neutron Sources). This initiative aims to develop a new way of cooperation, where neutron facilities work side by side with LEAPS Infrastructures. Additionally, NEPHEWS empowers users through an innovative User-to-User approach, granting ESUO and ENSA a pivotal role in project development.

The NEPHEWS project offers:

  • Experienced Users: Access to 38,290 hours of beamtime for conducting experiments on project-provided beamlines (TNA Programme);
  • New Users: Opportunities to join experienced user groups, allowing them to collaborate on measurements and enhance their knowledge (Twinning Programme);
  • Young Scientists: Week-long internships at large-scale research centres affiliated with the project, providing essential scientific and research training (ESR Programme);
  • Training Courses: Covering topics such as:
  • Implementing research using synchrotron facilities, neutron facilities, and free electron lasers, along with their complementary roles;
  • Infrastructure access procedures, including guidelines for successful beamtime applications.
  • Training for African Scientists: Selected scientists will receive training and attend the HERCULES school to advance their scientific expertise.

Furthermore, the project aims to establish collaboration with ministries and national funding agencies in developing countries. The objectives include raising awareness about the importance of research funding and fostering cooperation with user communities.

Read more here