Strategic Planning Office for Synchrotron X-ray Research and Development

Overview of the Strategic Planning Office for Synchrotron X-ray Research and Development

The Strategic Planning Office for Synchrotron X-ray Research and Development was established to accelerate the promotion of user engagement with next-generation facilities, such as SPring-8-II and NanoTerasu, amid intensifying international competition in the field of synchrotron radiation research.

The office aims to comprehensively strengthen the entire field of synchrotron radiation science—from light source accelerators and X-ray optics to utilization research—and to advance the research promotion framework to a higher level.

Equipped with a strategic planning function, the office fosters integrated collaboration across the accelerator (upstream ), beamline optics (midstream), and end-station(downstream) areas of synchrotron radiation research, encompassing both research and technical aspects. Through flexible and agile operations, it strives to maximize the outcomes of utilization research.

Collaboration between Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream

Synchrotron radiation utilization is structured through a phased collaboration:

• Downstream researchers and engineers provide direct support to users,
  

• Midstream experts support the downstream teams,
  

• Upstream experts, in turn, support the midstream teams.
  
  

Smooth coordination among these stages is critical for optimizing beam performance and enhancing the quality of user support. Moreover, by systematically feeding user feedback from downstream to midstream and upstream, the quality and level of technologies and information at each stage can be sustainably improved.

Integration of Research and Technology

In supporting users, research and technology are inseparable. Field-based support activities are a rich source of new research themes, and the involvement of technical staff in research and development activities fosters higher motivation.
This dynamic creates a positive cycle, strengthening both user support and technological development.

Purpose and Background of Establishment

The Strategic Planning Office for Synchrotron X-ray Research and Development aims to build a responsive and detailed system that organically connects the stages of upstream, midstream, and downstream with the dual layers of research and technology.

JASRI has consistently taken the lead in promoting utilization based on strong research and technological capabilities, always placing user needs at the center.

JASRI has long been leading problem-solving efforts through synchrotron radiation, based on its research and technological capabilities, with a user-oriented approach.
Until last year, efforts focused on the downstream (user support) areas, progressively building up the necessary organizational structure. With the establishment of this office, JASRI is now taking a strategic step forward, expanding its scope to cover a broader range of research fields.