Elettra Strengthens International Expertise in Accelerator Technologies: Machine Advisory Committee Appointed for 2026–2029

Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste has renewed its Machine Advisory Committee (MAC), the international advisory body responsible for providing independent assessments and recommendations on accelerator performance, technological solutions, and infrastructure development and upgrade programmes. The new Committee, approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting on 28 September, brings together twelve experts from leading laboratories and research centres worldwide.

The appointment is particularly significant at this stage of the facility's transformation, as Elettra 2.0 presents major technological and operational challenges. The construction and commissioning of the new accelerator, together with the optimisation of its performance, are key areas in which the Committee's contribution will be especially valuable.

The new MAC brings together expertise spanning electron beam physics and dynamics, radiofrequency systems, vacuum technologies, magnets and undulators, as well as the design and operation of synchrotron light sources and free-electron lasers.

The selection process followed an internal consultation coordinated by General Coordinator Michele Svandrlik, aimed at identifying the technical and scientific expertise best suited to supporting the current and future technological challenges facing the Elettra and FERMI infrastructures.

The renewal was guided by the principles of continuity and the broadening of expertise. Several members of the previous Committee have been reappointed, ensuring consistency in its assessments and advisory work, while the new members bring additional experience in the design, construction and operation of state-of-the-art accelerators and light sources.

Members of the Machine Advisory Committee 2026–2029

• Eshraq Al-Dmour – An expert in vacuum technologies and accelerator engineering, with experience in the construction, operation and upgrading of synchrotron light source facilities, including MAX IV and ALBA.

• David Alesini – A specialist in radiofrequency systems, high-gradient accelerating structures and high-brightness electron sources, with experience in developing technologies for particle accelerators and free-electron lasers.

• Jim Clarke – An internationally recognised expert in magnets, undulators and radiation sources, with extensive experience in leading technology programmes and developing accelerators and free-electron lasers.

• Micha Dehler – A specialist in radiofrequency systems, beam impedance, collective effects, and beam diagnostics and feedback systems, with experience in the development and upgrading of synchrotron light sources.

• Romain Ganter – An expert in synchrotron and free-electron laser technologies, vacuum systems, photoinjectors and undulators, with extensive experience in managing major accelerator projects.

• Liu Lin – A specialist in beam dynamics and the design of ultra-low-emittance storage rings, who played a central role in the development and construction of the fourth-generation Sirius synchrotron light source.

• Agostino Marinelli – An expert in free-electron laser physics and electron beam dynamics, with particular experience in developing novel approaches to generating ultrashort X-ray pulses.

• Ian Martin – A specialist in linear and nonlinear beam dynamics, collective effects and accelerator performance optimisation, with experience in developing advanced tools for beam control and stability.

• Elke Plönjes-Palm – An expert in FEL photon beam optics and diagnostics and beamline development, with experience in experimental techniques and the characterisation of extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and soft X-ray radiation.

• Montse Pont – An expert in magnet systems and accelerator operations, with experience in coordinating technology upgrade programmes for synchrotron light source facilities.

• Qing Qin – An expert in accelerator physics and design, beam dynamics and the management of large-scale research infrastructures, with extensive experience in next-generation light source projects.

• Pedro Fernandes Tavares (MAC Chair) – An internationally recognised leader in the design and operation of ultra-low-emittance accelerators, who made a major contribution to the development and construction of MAX IV.

The Machine Advisory Committee will play a particularly important role during the transition to Elettra 2.0, providing guidance on the technological decisions involved in constructing and commissioning the new accelerator and optimising its performance. The Committee's combined expertise, further enhanced by the experience of its new members, will provide valuable support for the ongoing development and upgrading of the Elettra and FERMI research infrastructures.