Elettra at the 7th AOBA Summit: a shared vision for the future of photon science

The 7th AOBA Summit, held in Sendai, Japan, on 16 January 2026, brought together leaders and representatives of major synchrotron radiation and X-ray free-electron laser facilities from around the world. Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste participated in the meeting represented by Alfonso Franciosi, President and CEO. The Summit resulted in the “Covenant of Light”, a shared vision for the future of large-scale photon science infrastructures.

As increasingly powerful light sources open up new possibilities for observing and understanding matter, living systems and complex processes, these facilities are also evolving into strategic infrastructures for knowledge, innovation and international cooperation, contributing to major challenges in areas such as energy, sustainability, health and technological development.

A major focus of the Summit was the convergence of photon science, advanced computing and Artificial Intelligence. Participants highlighted the potential of AI to transform both scientific experiments and facility operations – from autonomous experimentation and adaptive control systems to predictive maintenance and advanced detectors – while stressing the importance of high-quality, interoperable scientific data and responsible data stewardship.

The Summit also emphasized the broader role of research infrastructures as innovation hubs, connecting universities, research institutes, industry, start-ups, public institutions and society. International mobility, knowledge exchange and the training of a new generation of scientists and engineers able to work across science, advanced computing and AI were also identified as key priorities for the future.

The meeting ultimately outlined the perspective of a global network of knowledge, innovation and talent, strengthening connections among photon science facilities and facilitating the circulation of expertise, data, technologies and people across borders.

By bringing together leading photon science facilities from across the world, the AOBA Summit provides a forum for defining shared priorities and strengthening coordination in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape. This international dialogue can help turn advances in photon science, computing and AI into a collective capacity to address challenges that extend beyond individual facilities and national borders. 

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