First Fellows from SESAME Project welcomed at Diamond

The UK’s synchrotron science facility Diamond Light Source has welcomed the first four fellows on the newly created Diamond SESAME Rutherford Fellowship Training Programme. The result of a £1.5 million grant from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Diamond will use the funding to expand its training and development support of SESAME, a Middle East Peace project.

Up to 25 delegates will benefit from training in areas of science and engineering associated with the construction and operation of SESAME (Synchrotron light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) in Jordan. The Middle East’s first major international research centre, the SESAME light source involves members from Cyprus, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey.

Andrew Harrison, CEO of Diamond, explained, “SESAME represents a unique project for the Middle East region because of the excellent opportunity to stimulate and support scientific and technical activity, training and engagement in the region. Because SESAME focuses on areas of local importance - such as water supply, energy, health and the environment - we are keen to nurture new talent and share our skills. This significant grant will enable us to build stronger links.”

SESAME has recently reached the goal of commissioning the storage ring and has an initial complement of two beamlines ready for commissioning. The next step is to develop staff and equip them with the skills and experience needed to build the science and technical programme and establish it as a fully operational user facility.

The BEIS grant will support a fellowship programme for around 25 individuals, with each fellowship lasting about 15 months. The programme is broad, with development needs defined by SESAME covering the areas of photon science, photon instrument science, software and computing and engineering of particle accelerators. Fellows will spend around two to three months at Diamond to expand their knowledge and understanding through working with Diamond staff. When they return to SESAME, Diamond will provide ongoing technical support and mentoring.