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The first major international research infrastructure in the Middle East started operating in May 2016 in Allan, Jordan. SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) is a “third-generation” synchrotron light source with a name that also evokes memories of the culture of the region ("Open SESAME") and a new era of collaborative science.
This exceptional project unites countries that rarely sit on the same table and even less often share a common goal: Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey are the current members of the research facility. The cooperative venture was launched in 2002 by scientists and governments of the region under the auspices of UNESCO with the aim of using science diplomacy to foster a culture of peace and cooperation in the broader Middle East.
The spirit of cooperation was tested in the very first days of the project. In order to overcome financial difficulties Iran, Israel, Jordan and Turkey agreed in a rare show of unity to contribute 4.5M EUR each - provided that all the others did too. That unlocked further finance from Italy and also from the EU that funded CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), the international research hub on particle accelerators in Switzerland that also served as model for SESAME.
Co-founder Professor Eliezer Rabinovici, a leading Israeli physicist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Vice President of CERN, described the opening as "a very moving moment […] People and scientists from all over the region as well as many parts of the world have demonstrated that one can work together over decades for a common goal benefitting humanity. […] Today a tiny lighthouse is opened which can suggest another direction to the young generation." Professor Rabinovici also spoke about SESAME at a conference in the European Parliament on June 22 that celebrated 20 years of innovation and research partnership between the EU & Israel.
Carlos Moedas, the EU’s Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, attended the inauguration event alongside His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and over 300 policy makers, scientists and diplomats from the region, the EU and beyond: "SESAME is the best evidence that science diplomacy is a driver of scientific and technological excellence and a powerful tool for improving relations across countries, regions and cultures promoting peace and stability in the region. As a universal language, science opens channels of communication and builds trust.”
There are some 60 synchrotrons in use around the world but SESAME is the first one in the Middle East. Synchrotrons are particle accelerators that act as a powerful microscope. The goal is to study the properties of materials ranging from exotic semiconductors to viruses – thus covering academic disciplines ranging from physics, biology and chemistry over medical and life sciences to archaeology. SESAME aims to foster scientific and technological excellence in the Middle East and neighbouring countries and thus also prevent or reverse the brain drain.
Current observers include Brazil, Canada, People’s Republic of China, the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Discussions have already started about copying the Sesame model by building similar synchrotrons in other parts of the world including Africa and Central America.
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