Symposium on Lasers and Accelerators for Science & Society

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“You could be working at the forefront of human knowledge in a science that is unlocking the mysteries of the Universe and that has applications in healthcare, materials, and drug development among others;”

This is the main message that came from the ‘Lasers and Accelerators for Science & Society’ Symposium, on 26th June 2015.

Renowned scientists including Prof. Brian Cox (U Manchester), Prof. Grahame Blair (STFC), Prof. Victor Malka (LOA, Paris) and CI member and network coordinator Prof. Carsten P. Welsch who organized the event with his EU project TEAM presented highlights in accelerator and laser research and the enormous impact these tools had on science and society.

They were joined by Fellows from the European networks oPAC and LA³NET who presented the results of their research and shared their fascination for science.

Particle accelerators have numerous applications across many fields including fundamental research, medicine, electronics, environment and energy. As the limits of performance are reached new methods for particle acceleration and beam optimisation are needed.

Lasers will play a key role in the development of accelerators by improving the generation of particle beams, increasing the maximum acceleration gradient, and advanced beam diagnostics methods.

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There is a shortage of engineers and scientists with skills in this exciting area, and the Cockcroft Institute / University of Liverpool is keen that young people should consider laser and accelerator science as a career.

The symposium was hosted by the Cockcroft Institute / University of Liverpool at the Liverpool Convention Centre, organized by the European networks oPAC and LA³NET. The event gathered around 250 delegates from both projects, local schools that have been invited, and other registered participants.