KARACHI:
SESAME (Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) is an international research centre located in Allan, Jordan. It is the first synchrotron light source in the Middle East and neighbouring regions, serving as a major scientific hub for researchers across diverse fields such as biology, chemistry, physics and materials science.
Established under the auspices of Unesco and modeled after the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), SESAME aims to foster scientific excellence and collaboration in the Middle East; prevent brain drain; and promote peaceful scientific cooperation among its member countries. The current members include Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey, with several countries and international organisations acting as observers.
SESAME operates a 2.5 GeV third-generation synchrotron light source. Synchrotron light, produced when electrons are accelerated to nearly the speed of light and then travel in a circular path, is used for a wide range of scientific investigations. The facility hosts diverse research projects leveraging its synchrotron light source, including structural biology for understanding diseases and drug development, materials science for advancing technology and industry, environmental science for better managing pollutants and conservation efforts, and cultural heritage for preserving archaeological artifacts and historical documents using non-destructive techniques.
Continuously developing its facilities and capabilities, SESAME aims to attract more scientists and expand its research portfolio. With ongoing support from its member countries and the international scientific community, SESAME is poised to become a leading research institution and a symbol of scientific diplomacy.
However, Pakistan has not paid its SESAME membership fee for the past few years. This is concerning because membership provides significant privileges for faculty and researchers from Pakistan to conduct their research. The membership fee is $1 million, not a substantial amount considering the benefits it offers. If this situation continues, we risk losing valuable opportunities for scientific collaboration and advancement. It is imperative for Pakistan to address this issue promptly to ensure continued access to the benefits offered by SESAME.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
