SPring-8, the large synchrotron radiation facility

The Great Tohoku Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011, has caused severe damage to some of Japan’s major quantum beam research facilities, PF¹ and J-PARC², among others. Since those facilities have greatly contributed to cutting-edge research not only in Japan but worldwide, concern is mounting over the long-term impact on the use of the facilities.

If the concern cannot be resolved, Japan’s international competitiveness in science and technology could be eroded and industrial development may slow down, the most serious consequence of which is potential damage to Japan’s standing as a scientific and technological powerhouse leading world’s advanced industries.

Having underpinned the development of Japan’s science, technology and industry as the world’s top synchrotron radiation facility, SPring-8 is now expected to take on a new role in the face of the national crisis: a driving force for restoration.

As an initial response, we have decided to take emergency measures to support the users of the affected facilities facing difficulties implementing their research proposals by establishing the "Priority Program for Disaster-Affected Quantum Beam Facilities." Details will be announced soon.

Thank you for your cooperation.

RIKEN Harima Institute
Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)