Productive discussions about optimal utilisation of ESS and MAX IV

This hybrid event, held both in physical form in Stockholm and online, was led by the moderator Maria Borelius. Speakers included Darja Isaksson (Vinnova), Katarina Bjelke (Swedish Research Council), Olof Karis (MAX IV), Helmut Schober (ESS), Tom Erixon (Alfa Laval), Martin Sahlberg (SwedNess, Uppsala University), and Pia Kinhult (ESS).

Catarina Sahlberg, Adam Wikström and Ekaterina Osipova from Big Science Sweden attended the event in person.

“Swedish parties with an interest in ESS and MAX IV can benefit from meeting up every year for discussions and to exchange ideas,” says Catarina Sahlberg. “Getting together helps to clarify common ambitions, but also challenges, not least those that concern ways of encouraging and enabling industry to use the facilities.”

In the introduction of ESS/MAX IV Summit 2022, Katarina Bjelke from the Swedish Research Council directed attention to some of the main issues for discussion during the day: How do we ensure optimal utilisation of ESS and MAX IV? What are the challenges?

She encouraged participants to “Make use of the opportunities afforded by ESS and MAX IV, not just for Big Science, but for the whole of society.”

Darja Isaksson from Vinnova emphasised Sweden’s importance as a research nation, and pointed out that industry is often at the forefront in various research fields.

Panels and participants

Some other comments from the panel and participants during the day:

• More long-term funding is needed, and a wider ecosystem around Big Science that can connect all the expertise from academia and industry
• Money is always an issue but, although the research facilities are expensive, they generate more return than Sweden invests.
• Big Science research facilities need a more explicit user perspective, and industry is calling for more support.