SUNSTONE · SESAME’s Upgrading Network for Scientific user Training and Outreach into the Next Era

SUNSTONE is dedicated to reinforcing the SESAME (Synchrotron light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) facility. This initiative includes eight key European and Middle Eastern research infrastructures and organisations, with the Paul Scherrer Institut as an associate participant.The primary aim of SUNSTONE is the sustained consolidation of SESAME, a pivotal research infrastructure utilised by eight member countries (Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, Palestine and Turkey), along with other nations in the Middle East, and has an extended focus towards Africa. The project endeavours to bolster SESAME's scientific capabilities, service provision, and its standing as an international hub of research and excellence. The project addresses several crucial challenges:• Enhancing SESAME's visibility and membership in the Middle East through targeted outreach and promotional activities;• Guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of SESAME and its role in fostering African scientific advancement;• Broadening and educating a wider user community in light source techniques;• Elevating the quality of user support at SESAME facilities;• Amplifying the international influence of European light sources and their collaboration with SESAME;• Developing the capacity and skills of African researchers;• Tackling global societal issues by capitalising on SESAME's capabilities.SUNSTONE capitalises on past achievements and partnerships, deepening ties between European facilities, SESAME, and their respective user communities. As an associate to The League of European Accelerator-based Photon Sources (LEAPS), SESAME has strong European connections. In its outreach to Africa, SESAME's membership already includes Egypt, supplemented by ongoing collaborations with additional African entities. These connections will be strategically leveraged to effectively pursue objectives related to African scientific growth and capacity enhancement.