A representation of SOLARIS employees joined this years’ LEAPS plenary meeting, which took place at Villigen, Switzerland. The major objective of the meeting was the proposed strategy for accelerator-based photon science (ESAP). Against the backdrop of the current energy crisis, a vision for modern accelerator-based light sources was set out, that address current and future societal and scientific challenges.

Objectives of the 5th LEAPS plenary meeting

The major topic of the meeting was the European Strategy for Accelerator-Based Photon Science (ESAP). The strategy was presented in the European Parliament in May 2022. The strategy keeps Europe at the forefront, when it comes to research and development. Topics such as the European Research Area, strategic upgrades of synchrotron centers, and the impact of LEAPS centers in life sciences, drug discovery or quantum computing were discussed.

A topic that proved equally pertinent was the energy crisis and the strategies that Europe's cutting-edge research centers should undertake in the current geopolitical situation. The discussed ideas and strategies related to upgrading the centers will allow reducing energy consumption while ensuring excellent quality of synchrotron radiation.

The meeting was attended by 180 representatives of science and industry from all over Europe, including representatives of the European Commission and directors and staff of European Accelerator facilities.  

League of European Accelerator-Based Photon Sources (LEAPS)

LEAPS is a strategic consortium of all European Synchrotrons and Free Electron Lasers facilities. The goal is to promote and ensure the quality of research carried out in our facilities. LEAPS engage with user communities, stakeholders, organizations, and research infrastructures. It supports and promotes standardization of access procedures, education, enhanced mobility, and communication to the public.

SOLARIS Representation

Strong representation from SOLARIS team, including director prof. Marek Stankiewicz, but also Michał Młynarczyk, Adriana Wawrzyniak, Jakub Szlachetko, representation from user office,  communication team and legal team, joined the meeting to learn from more experienced facilities. We were able to provide feedback and share experiences. Annual meetings with representatives of other gas pedal units are extremely important, and our employees return full of ideas and enthusiasm to implement new solutions and out-of-the-box ideas.

You can read more here:

LEAPS research infrastructures to tackle societal crises

Photo by Markus Fischer (PSI)