The International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Design of Synchrotron Radiation Equipment and Instrumentation (MEDSI) is a prominent biennial event that gathers experts and stakeholders involved in the development and engineering of synchrotron radiation and free-electron laser light sources. The conference’s primary focus is on the mechanical design and engineering aspects that are critical to the advancement of these sophisticated instruments.
History and Objectives
This year marks a significant milestone – the 25th anniversary of the inaugural MEDSI, which began as a two-day international workshop at the Paul Scherrer Institute. MEDSI was established to create a collaborative platform for professionals to exchange knowledge, innovations, and advancements in the field of synchrotron radiation equipment and instrumentation. The conference facilitates discussions on various topics, including the design of insertion devices, magnets, storage rings, front ends, beamlines, optics, and end station instrumentation. Core technologies such as vacuum systems, cryogenics, precision mechanics, and control systems are also integral parts of the discussions.
Past Conferences
Over the years, MEDSI has been hosted by various international institutions, each contributing to the rich history and evolution of the conference. Below is a list of past MEDSI conferences:
MEDSI 2023: Beijing, China
Proceedings: https://medsi2023.vrws.de/
MEDSI 2020: Virtual conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Proceedings: https://accelconf.web.cern.ch/medsi2020/
MEDSI 2018: Paris, France
Proceedings: https://accelconf.web.cern.ch/medsi2018/
MEDSI 2016: Barcelona, Spain
Proceedings: https://indico.cells.es/event/42/timetable/#20160912
MEDSI 2014: Melbourne, Australia
Proceedings: https://medsi.lbl.gov/home/2014-als
MEDSI 2012: Shanghai, China
Proceedings: https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/medsi/home/2012-ssrf
MEDSI 2010: Oxford, United Kingdom
Proceedings: https://medsi.lbl.gov/home/2010-diamond-contributed-papers
MEDSI 2008: Saskatoon, Canada
Proceedings: https://medsi.lbl.gov/home/2008-cls-presentations
MEDSI 2006: Himeji, Japan
Proceedings: https://medsi.lbl.gov/home/2006-spring8-oral-sessions
MEDSI 2004: Grenoble, France
Proceedings: https://medsi.lbl.gov/home/2004-esrf
MEDSI 2002: Lemont, United States
Proceedings: https://medsi.lbl.gov/home/2002-aps
MEDSI 2000: Villigen, Switzerland
Proceedings: https://medsi.lbl.gov/home/2000-sls
Participation and Impact
MEDSI conferences typically attract hundreds of participants from around the world, including engineers of different fields, and industry representatives. For instance, MEDSI2023, held in Beijing, China, saw over 370 participants from 21 countries. The program included keynote talks, oral presentations, poster sessions, and an industrial exhibition, highlighting the conference’s role in fostering industry-academia collaboration and showcasing the latest technological advancements.
Conference Structure
The MEDSI conference usually spans several days and features:
- Invited and Contributed Talks: Presentations by leading experts and engineers.
- Poster Sessions: Opportunities for participants to present and discuss their work in a more informal setting.
- Industrial Exhibitions: Showcasing the latest products and technologies from companies in the field.
- Facility Tour: A key feature of MEDSI is the tour of the host facility, offering participants a unique glimpse into the advanced infrastructure and technologies of the synchrotron or free-electron laser, highlighting their design and operation.
The upcoming MEDSI2025 conference in Lund, hosted by MAX IV, will continue this tradition, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and innovations that drive the synchrotron and free-electron laser communities forward.