The International Centre for Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) hosted an exhibition at the 57th IAEA General Conference to provide information on the purpose of SESAME and its cooperation with the IAEA. During the week, SESAME experts answered the questions of conference participants, providing insight into SESAME's work.

SESAME will be home to a 'third-generation' synchrotron light source and an international science centre under construction in Allan, Jordan. The synchrotron light source is a giant machine that generates intense light beams for advanced scientific and technological research. The centre is being developed under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is backed by the IAEA's technical cooperation (TC) programme. SESAME aims to facilitate international scientific research in the Middle Eastern region.
Through its TC programme, the IAEA is providing support to SESAME, helping to train future SESAME users and operators in the safe and secure commissioning and operation of the facility. Since 2006, the IAEA has helped SESAME built capacities in safety, accelerator physics and synchrotron radiation applications. In addition, the TC programme focuses on promoting the potential of SESAME's user community and the interaction of the end-users of the facility as the real beneficiaries representing scientists from across the region.

Dr Khaled Toukan, SESAME Director and chairman of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, visited the SESAME booth on the morning of the first day of the 57th IAEA General Conference. He stated his gratitude to the Centre for its commitment to fostering scientific and technological development in the Middle Eastern region, and thanked the IAEA for its support in building technical and human resource capacities at SESAME, as well as facilitating and enhancing international cooperation among countries in this region.

"SESAME is a great success story. Countries […] sit at the same table and discuss how they can make SESAME progress. This shows the value of science, bringing nations together and harnessing science for peace. I am sure that SESAME will be a great international centre that will promote science and prosperity in the Middle Eastern region and will be vital for world peace", said Dr Toukan.

SESAME Members include Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey.