SPIE leaders congratulate SESAME on 'light' for science collaboration

SPIE leaders joined others in the global photonics community in congratulating scientists and supporters from UNESCO and elsewhere on the inauguration today of the SESAME synchroton by King Adbullah II of Jordan.

Located in Allan, Jordan, SESAME - the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East - will engage scientists from countries throughout the region in experiments involving the study of properties of materials from rare semiconductors to viruses. Consortium members come from Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan, and scientists from the Palestinian Authority hope to collaborate as well.

King Abdullah and Princess Samaya of Jordan (fourth and third from right in the front row) with UNESCO and other dignitaries at SESAME inauguration on 16 May.

"We are all united in our dependence on life sustaining light," said SPIE CEO Eugene Arthurs. "Now the light from SESAME will ensure scientific interchange that offers hope for improved mutual understanding. As Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam noted, ‘Scientific thought and its creation is the common and shared heritage of mankind.' We are very grateful to those who worked so hard to realize the dream of SESAME. SPIE joins the many who hope it leads to a flourishing rebirth of science in Jordan and recognition throughout the region of our shared heritage."