Amman, Feb. 18 (Petra) – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday visited Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) (SESAME) to review its operations and role in advancing scientific research and supporting researchers from across the region and beyond.

During the visit, Steinmeier was briefed on the center’s facilities, research beamlines and advanced technologies, as well as its contribution to strengthening regional and international scientific cooperation and positioning Jordan as a "hub for physics and applied sciences." In remarks to "Petra," SESAME Director General Khaled Toukan said the centre is a "unique and state-of-the-art" scientific facility at the Arab and Islamic levels.

Toukan said the center has consolidated its presence on the global scientific map by attracting "advanced" research projects and broad international partnerships.

Toukan noted Germany became the first European country to join SESAME as an associate member, reflecting "growing" international confidence in the center’s scientific and technical standards.

He said Germany supported the facility since its early stages by providing the microtron electron source and the first-phase booster accelerator.

He added that German scientists have played a "key" role over the past 15 years in establishing new beamlines, including the soft X-ray line, in addition to providing technical support, training staff and participating in joint research.

On its goals, the visit aimed to review the center’s scientific and technical achievements, follow up on Germany’s contributions and explore prospects for expanding cooperation between German scientists and their counterparts in Jordan and the region.

SESAME, which currently hosts around 1,100 research projects from 48 countries, including member states and partners, reflects its position as a cutting-edge advanced international research facility.

//Petra// NQ