2024-03-15 15:00:39
A growing group of scientists defends the installation of a synchrotron somewhere in the geographic area of the Greater Caribbean and seeks economic, technical and logistical support. The group is international and includes researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV).
“The project in which we are collaborating is titled LAMISTAD (Latin American International Synchrotron for Technology, Analysis, and Development) and its objective is to make the Light Source of the Greater Caribbean a reality. In the world of science, large facilities not only lead the way to revolutionary discoveries, but also contribute to the development of high capacities and equality between regions: where they are erected, employment opportunities, improvement of skills and advances in key infrastructures,” highlights Pedro Fernández de Córdoba, researcher at the University Institute of Pure and Applied Mathematics and professor at the Higher Technical School of Industrial Engineering of the UPV.
Within these large facilities, synchrotrons stand out for their great potential in both scientific and industrial sectors. Among other fields, they are essential in areas such as the physics of condensed matter, the study of materials, the development of new medicines and vaccines, as well as the characterization of soils and biological processes.
However, access to these infrastructures is unequal around the world, and low- and middle-income nations, particularly in the Wider Caribbean and Africa, face significant challenges in taking advantage of these cutting-edge scientific tools. “And it is precisely to try to reduce this gap and fully take advantage of the scientific potential of these regions for which we are developing the LAMISTAD project,” adds Juan Ángel Sans, researcher at the Institute of Design for Automated Manufacturing and Production and professor at the Higher Technical School of Aerospace Engineering and Industrial Design (ETSIADI) of the UPV.
The work of Pedro Fernández de Córdoba and Juan Ángel Sans focuses on the technical part of the project, as well as the promotion of communication actions; Among them, they are part of the team that is preparing a proposal that will soon be presented to UNESCO to obtain its support for this project.
Also worth mentioning is the participation of Víctor M. Castaño, on behalf of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and Galileo Violini, director emeritus of the International Physics Center of Bogotá in Colombia.
“The path towards the construction of the Greater Caribbean Light Source is not going to be easy, but its completion could represent a significant step towards equity in access to science, technology and regional development. In any case, to make this vision a reality, strong support will be necessary from both the scientific community and policy makers and international organizations dedicated to the advancement of science and technology,” adds Pedro Fernández de Córdoba.
John Angel Sans and Peter Fernandez of Cordoba. (Photo: UPV)
New Latin American synchrotron and in connection with Africa
Currently, in Latin America there is already a synchrotron, specifically in the city of Campinas in Brazil. The infrastructure promoted by LAMISTAD would be complementary and would allow addressing problems closer to the area, for example, for studies in agriculture, archeology or cultural heritage.
Additionally, the LAMISTAD project is establishing synergies with the African initiative to launch the African Light Source, which seeks to create a pan-African synchrotron facility. “The foundations are being laid for a connection between Africa and Latin America that promotes these facilities in both areas of the world,” adds Juan Ángel Sans. (Source: UPV)
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