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Jordan launches Mideast scientific research center

Xinhua, May 16, 2017 Adjust font size:

King Abdullah II of Jordan inaugurated an advanced scientific research center on Tuesday, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

The International Center for Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) is located in Allan region in the Balqa Governorate to the north west of Amman.

The center will contribute to developing scientific research in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, physics, chemistry, biology, materials science and others, said the Royal Court in a statement a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua.

During its development phase, the centre united current SESAME scientist members from Jordan, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority, Turkey and Israel.

In addition experts from several other countries joined the project's development phase as observers, in order to build the Middle East's first international research laboratory.

SESAME Council President Chris Llewellyn Smith expressed his appreciation for Jordan and all states and institutions that financially supported the center's establishment.

The center, Smith said, is expected to attract substantial numbers of regional scientists, highlighting it has thus far received 55 scientific research projects on the use of nuclear accelerators.

He said the facility will also house the world's first nuclear-powered accelerator.

The centre's Director General and Chairman of Jordan's Atomic Energy Agency Khaled Toukan, pointed to the political, technical and financial challenges facing the project's task force, noting the eminent achievements accomplished owing to supporters from Jordan as well as worldwide.

According to Jordanian experts, the project will help offer fundamental solutions to pressing issues such as water scarcity and energy in addition to agriculture and health concerns.

The facility's advanced equipment will enable the center to greatly benefit regional issues of concern.

Jordan was chosen as a the center's venue from among five countries which applied to host it.

Construction of the center began in 2003 after the membership agreement with other member states was signed under UNESCO's umbrella. Endit