From energy research to digitalization: Elettra welcomes the delegates of the ICTP-WE Heraeus Conference on Sustainability and Innovation

01/14

On November 20, 2024, Elettra welcomed participants of the ‘Joint ICTP-WE Heraeus Conference on Sustainability and Resilience Through Large-Scale Infrastructures and Remote and Automated Experiments’ for an in-depth visit. The conference, held at ICTP from November 18 to 22, aimed to foster global community building, international cooperation, and scientific discussions across continents on large-scale research infrastructures. Key themes included Sustainable Energy Supply, Chemical Energy Conversion, Energy Storage, Synchrotron Radiation Sources and Methods, The Role of Large-Scale Research Infrastructures in Global Collaboration, Digitalization and Open Science, Access and Remote Access, and Hands-on Training. The scientific focus emphasized energy research, tackling global challenges such as photovoltaics, chemical energy conversion, and energy storage. The program had also a focus on scientific infrastructures and the opportunities offered by synchrotron facilities, that can serve as hubs for global collaboration. Discussions also addressed access to large-scale infrastructures, remote experiments, and the modern possibilities enabled by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and automation.

Keynote speakers included Giuliana Aquilanti, Coordinator of the Research Projects Cluster and Head of XAFS and XRF beamlines. Her presentation focused on the application of X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study energy materials, particularly batteries under operating conditions. She detailed how this technique reveals real-time structural and electronic changes, providing crucial insights for enhancing efficiency, stability, and lifespan. Michela Bassanese, Head of the Users’ Office, led a round table on users' access and the remotization of beamline’s services. During their visit, the group of 40 participants received an introduction to the facility from researchers Ilaria Carlomagno and Carlo Callegari, followed by tours of the XAFS and MCX beamlines and the experimental hall of the FERMI free-electron laser.