Jordan’s SESAME Inaugurated by King Abdullah II

The Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) has been inaugurated by King Abdullah II of Jordan.

SESAME will engage scientists from countries throughout the region in experiments involving the study of properties of materials from rare semiconductors to viruses. Consortium members include Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey.

“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 of science in Jordan and recognition throughout the region of our shared heritage.”

Science diplomacy was the theme of all talks at the inaugural ceremonies. Among the remarks, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Carlos Moedas noted that while many people talk and write about science diplomacy, he was impressed from his first visit to SESAME to see people actively engaging in it.

Science advocate Princess Sumaya bint Hassan of Jordan spoke about the need for international cooperation and goodwill in the region and how SESAME is playing a positive role in that regard. Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova, ICTP Director Fernando Quevedo and President of the SESAME Council Chris Llewellyn Smith.

SESAME is a cooperative venture by scientists and governments of the region set up on the model of the European Organization for Nuclear Research). It is being developed under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).