The SESAME SUNSTONE Training Programme is designed to equip researchers from the Middle East, Africa, and beyond with the skills and knowledge necessary to utilize synchrotron radiation techniques in their research endeavors effectively. By providing a comprehensive educational experience, the programme aims to foster scientific excellence, promote collaboration, and contribute to the advancement of research in the region.

The SESAME SUNSTONE Training Programme will offer four thematic schools, each focusing on a specific scientific domain:

  1. Cultural Heritage
  2. Life Sciences
  3. Science in operando conditions 
  4. Environmental Science

Each thematic school consists of three interconnected training steps, each designed to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning experience:

TRAINING STEPS OVERVIEW FORMAT CONTENT TARGET AUDIENCE
1. Online/Onsite General Lectures This step offers a foundational understanding of synchrotron radiation techniques and their applications. Online lectures, complemented by onsite sessions during the annual SESAME User Meeting. General lectures on synchrotron radiation fundamentals, techniques, sample preparation, data analysis, and applications. A broad community of researchers, including both current and potential SESAME users.
2. Thematic Virtual Training Events and Hands-On Workshops This step delves deeper into specific scientific topics and provides practical training in synchrotron techniques. Virtual training events and hands-on workshops conducted at SESAME. Thematic lectures on selected research areas, technical aspects of SESAME beamlines, sample preparation, data collection and analysis, and proposal writing. A subset of 18 researchers from Step 1 have expressed interest in specific scientific domains and have been selected based on their qualifications and experience.
3. High-Level Twinning Sessions This step offers advanced training and mentorship opportunities for selected researchers. One-to-one twinning sessions with 6 experienced researchers and scientists. In-depth training on experimental design, data collection, analysis and guidance on proposal writing and grant applications. A limited number of researchers (6) have completed Steps 1 and 2 and demonstrated a strong interest in pursuing advanced training.

 

By progressing through these three steps, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of synchrotron radiation techniques and develop the skills necessary to conduct their own research projects at SESAME.

The primary goals of the SESAME Training Programme are to:

  • Enhance the research capabilities of researchers from the Middle East and Africa.
  • Promote the use of synchrotron radiation techniques in the region.
  • Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers.
  • Support the development of scientific infrastructure in the region.
  • Contribute to the achievement of the SUNSTONE project's objectives of strengthening the scientific capacity and service provision of the SESAME light source and its position as an international research infrastructure.

 

By providing researchers with the necessary skills and knowledge, the training programme will enable them to conduct high-quality research, contribute to scientific advancements, and strengthen the scientific community in the Middle East and Africa.

More info coming soon, #Staytuned!