LEAPS is a consortium of all European synchrotron and Free Electron Laser facilities, located in 10 European countries and based at 16 institutions. In her opening statement Britta Redlich (HFML-FELIX) looked back at an eventful 2024 as current LEAPS Chair. ‘This year was an important year to further build the strong foundation for the future of LEAPS. We laid the groundwork for the LEAPS association which will strengthen our visibility and sustainability. Speaking with one voice, aligning strategy and sharing knowledge is key to our future development and engagement with stakeholders.'
Redlich also commented on a LEAPS proposal for a Block-grant funding: ‘This novel funding instrument we have been working on has now matured from and we have seen two very exciting and impactful pilot-project ideas. Something we are discussing with representatives from science, academia, industry, and representatives from the European Commission.’
New Chair
A highlight of the event was the handover of the baton from Britta Redlich (HFML-FELIX) to Jakub Szlachetko (SOLARIS) who will chair LEAPS next year. ‘It was a great pleasure and honour to chair LEAPS this year’, Redlich reflects. ‘We managed to advance the strategic position of LEAPS and set the stage for future developments. Now, we are looking forward to an exciting 2025, with the LEAPS meets Materials for Energy in Gdansk and events planned by the new Chair during the upcoming Polish EC-presidency.’