Amman: 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.
According to Jordan News Agency, 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 highlighted the center’s presence on the global scientific map by attracting research projects and broad international partnerships. He noted that Germany became the first European country to join SESAME as an associate member, reflecting international confidence in the center’s scientific and technical standards.
Toukan mentioned Germany’s support in the facility’s early stages by providing the microtron electron source and the first-phase booster accelerator. He added that German scientists have played a role over the past 15 years in establishing new beamlines, including the soft X-ray line, and providing technical support, training staff, and participating in joint research.
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 currently hosts around 1,100 research projects from 48 countries, including member states and partners, reflecting its position as an advanced international research facility.