LEAPS-TECH Kick-Off and 9th LEAPS Plenary Meeting: Strengthening European Collaboration in Photon Science
        1/8     Pictures from 3 to 8 copyright Sven Kamin and Michal Perdjon |
From 13 to 16 October 2026, Hamburg hosted two important events for the European synchrotron radiation and free-electron laser community, marking significant steps forward in technological cooperation and strategic collaboration within LEAPS (League of European Accelerator-based Photon Sources). Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste participated in both meetings with a large delegation of colleagues, contributing to the exchanges and discussions within the European photon science community. On 13–14 October, DESY hosted the kick-off meeting of LEAPS-TECH, a four-year Horizon Europe project launched in September 2026 to accelerate the implementation of the LEAPS Technology Roadmap 2025. The project aims to advance technological development across Europe's synchrotron and free-electron laser facilities, supporting research infrastructures that serve tens of thousands of users. The meeting brought together project partners to launch the planned activities, coordinate the work packages and foster exchanges within the consortium and the wider community. The following days, 15–16 October, European XFEL in Schenefeld hosted the 9th LEAPS Plenary Meeting, bringing together representatives of the LEAPS Strategy Groups, Working Groups and General Assembly, alongside partners, associates and invited guests. |
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The annual meeting provided an opportunity to review achievements, discuss strategic priorities and strengthen future collaboration. The programme included updates from LEAPS Chairs and projects, interactive sessions, panel discussions, networking opportunities and a visit to the European XFEL facility. Among the highlights was the strategic panel discussion “Science in the Age of AI — What Do Research Ethics Mean in 2026?”, addressing emerging scientific and societal challenges and the role of research infrastructures in responding to them. This year's Plenary also marked an important institutional milestone: the establishment of LEAPS AISBL, a significant step in the development and consolidation of the LEAPS initiative, founded in 2017 by the directors of Europe's synchrotron radiation and free-electron laser user facilities. Together, the two meetings highlighted the importance of coordinated technological development, shared strategic priorities and continued cooperation in strengthening Europe's photon science research infrastructures. |
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