The students at the school were 55 young scientists and engineers from nine countries: Australia, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan. The school promotes better understanding of synchrotron radiation science as well as building a network among students.
The event was cosponsored by RIKEN, the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), which operates SPring-8, the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) and AOFSRR. The curriculum included lectures on synchrotron radiation science and technology, covering a wide-range of topics from accelerator science to X-ray physics as well as applications to materials science and biology. Through the lectures, students learned new scientific directions and potentials in synchrotron radiation science.
One of the most popular lectures, given by Tsumoru Shintake, a chief scientist of RIKEN, was on the ‘X-ray Free Electron Laser’. X-ray free-electron lasers are currently in the global spotlight as an ultimate source of intense pulsed coherent radiation at wavelengths as short as 0.06 nm.
A two-day beamline practical course was particularly attractive for students, allowing them to experience the measurement process using beamlines. The ‘Meet the Expert’ course—round-table discussions between students and SR science specialists—characterizes the concept of the ‘Cheiron’ school. Those experts gave students useful advice on challenges they are facing.
Students using one of the SPring-8 beamlines
One of the students expressed their appreciation by saying, “I have learned a lot during the ten days I spent here. It is very well organized and created a necessary network I would certainly use in my future research.” Other students mentioned that, “by attending this school, I surely expand my vision. I also made new friends from other synchrotron facilities in the Asia-Oceania area,” and, “everything here is fantastic and excellent including the lectures, lecturers, staff, secretaries, guest house and cafeteria. I miss the nice staff at the Cheiron School. If I have chance, I want to work at SPring-8.”
This school’s name, Cheiron, is taken from ancient Greek mythology. The immortal god as well as a teacher, Cheiron, would impart his knowledge only to those mortals most worthy of it. The concept of Cheiron aligns well with the purpose of the school, which seeks to train the best and brightest young minds from the Asia-Oceania region. Tetsuya Ishikawa, director of the RIKEN SPring-8 Center, says, “We believe they will become next-generation leaders in synchrotron radiation science for the Asia-Oceania region.”
