XFEL: European XFEL to build visitor centre
European XFEL to build visitor centre
European XFEL will build a visitor and conference centre with school labs on their campus in Schenefeld. The European XFEL Council, the company’s supreme organ, and the German state of Schleswig-Holstein have now given the green light for the project. Construction is expected to start in 2020. The centre will give the general public the opportunity to learn more about the research of the international facility. Planned is an interactive exhibition space covering 500 m2, which will explain how the X-ray laser works and what sort of research scientists are using it for, and which will complement the content of the planned DESY visitor centre. Tours and talks for everyone are also part of the concept. In addition, two school labs will also be included, which will be run in close collaboration with the DESY school lab. Events and seminars intended for a variety of audiences, from events for the general public, to scientific conferences and workshops will be possible in the conference area.
Visualization of a possible layout for the European XFEL visitor centre exhibition area (Picture: Archimedes Exhibitions)
Over the next year, the details for the centre will be finalised and the exhibition developed. A large part of the construction and running costs of the centre will be carried by the European XFEL partner countries. The German state of Schleswig-Holstein has announced that they will support the project with a sum of 2 million euro and in addition finance a position for the running of the school lab. European XFEL is currently looking for additional sponsors and funders to ensure the optimal implementation of the project.
