Inter-disciplinary scientific collaboration in the VI-SEEM community has been further enhanced with SESAME (Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) gaining enhanced access to the VI-SEEM data sets and services via its recently established advanced connectivity to GÉANT.

SESAME will provide a vital resource for a wide variety of physics applications, both in the SEEM region and further afield: developing new materials, probing the structure of DNA, penetrating the secrets of chemical compounds, designing pharmaceuticals, performing disease infrared imaging, assessing archaeological artefacts, measuring soil pollution and much else besides.

Once the facility will reach full working capacity, it will produce thousands of gigabytes every day, which will be transferred to HPC centers in and outside the region for analysis, including partners in the Virtual Research Environment of VI-SEEM.