Youth and Science

A hotspot for accelerator physicists

"The International School of Accelerator Physics: Linear Accelerators" (SAP-2025) was held in the village of Verbilki near Moscow. The event brought together over 50 young scientists and specialists that immersed themselves in the operating principles and design of the current particle accelerators. The third School was organized by the Veksler and Baldin Laboratory of High Energy Physics, the Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems and the Association of Young Scientists and Specialists of JINR, with the support of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.

This year, the SAP programme was dedicated to the investigation of linear accelerators. These devices today become key tools for implementing a wide range of experiments. Their applications range from fundamental research in particle physics to applied problems in medicine, materials science, agriculture and radioisotope production.

The Scientific School was held on 24 - 29 August. Representatives from four JINR laboratories (VBLHEP, DLNP, FLNR and FLNP), as well as six research centres and universities of the Russian Federation took part: National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP SB RAS), the National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow State University (MSU), Saint Petersburg State University (SPbSU) and the M.I. Platov South Russian State Polytechnic University (SRSU).

The opening ceremony on 25 August was hosted by the co-chairs of the Organizing Committee: a researcher at the Laboratory of Nuclear Problems Vladislav Rozhkov and a senior researcher at the Laboratory of High Energy Physics Mikhail Shandov. In their speeches, they outlined the upcoming lectures, practical classes and other events on the school schedule.

"The development, implementation and operation of linear accelerators require a thorough understanding of both the theoretical foundations and the practical aspects of all systems," Mikhail Shandov emphasized the School's significant role in training highly qualified specialists. "The SAP-2025 programme covers these key aspects, providing a comprehensive investigation of the operating principles, design and operation of the current accelerator systems, as well as the opportunity to cooperate with lecturers that are leading experts in their field."

The School's scientific programme was opened by JINR Chief Engineer Boris Gikal that gave a lecture on the history of particle accelerators and the Joint Institute's accelerator fleet. Deputy Head of the Accelerator Department of VBLHEP Anatoly Sidorin presented a report on ion sources of light particles. "This School is a wonderful, welcoming and atmospheric place," Sidorin said. He added that the lectures and practical exercises will be useful to anyone interested in the physics and technology of the current accelerators.

A well-thought-out leisure programme contributed to the creation of a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. On the very first evening, during a campfire gathering on the banks of the Dubna River, participants had the opportunity to get to know each other and to socialize informally. Additionally, an intellectually entertaining quiz and a creative photography competition were organized for young scientists and specialists, with the winners being awarded well-deserved prizes and gifts.

Over the course of the week, more than 20 lectures were given by the leading specialists from JINR, MEPhI, INP SB RAS, the Alikhanov Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics (ITEP) and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT). Participants were able not only to study and reinforce the fundamentals of particle accelerator physics but also to learn about the design, systems and operating principles of the current LinAcs (linear accelerators).

"Interesting lectures, seminars and communications with teachers and colleagues are just some of what made this School's programme truly memorable," a technician at VBLHEP and a participant in the 2025 SAP Tatyana Kovrizhnykh said. "The lecturers masterfully compressed as much information into the allotted time, covering, in my opinion, the entire spectrum of topics related to linear accelerators."

The lectures were complemented by practical exercises, where young specialists met tasks applying the material they had learned. The participants' results were the basis for their final projects to develop concepts for two electron accelerators. Working in groups, on the final day, they presented reports on facilities for both fundamental and applied research.

A key event of the School was the traditional roundtable discussion that brought together experts from JINR, MEPhI and ITEP. The invited guests answered questions from the participants and shared information about current research projects, opportunities for collaboration and the application of new technologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

"The Laboratory of High Energy Physics develops a world-class flagship project with an extensive physics research programme - the NICA accelerator complex," VBLHEP Acting Director Andrey Butenko said. "An active influx of young people today is a key to the success of such initiatives." He emphasized that thanks to the NICA project, the Joint Institute successfully attracts young specialists from various countries, giving them the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working in a highly qualified team and meeting current issues in modern physics. "Come to science, bring your ideas!" VBLHEP Director addressed the participants during the roundtable.

The programme culminated in a tour of the NICA accelerator complex on the final day. At VBLHEP, the participants were able to see the extent of this megascience project by visiting the synchrotron building and the experimental pavilion of the multi-purpose detector (MPD).

The SAP-2025 participants shared their impressions of the event.

"Before the School, I set a goal to learn about the work of JINR and its specialists. Today, I can confidently say that I have achieved this goal," St. Petersburg State University student Konstantin Tukhvatulin emphasized. "In just a week, I gained valuable information from experts in accelerator physics and learned about the design of the NICA complex. This knowledge and experience will be very useful in determining my educational and career paths. I express my gratitude to the SAP-2025 Organizing Committee for the excellent organization. I hope that the School of Accelerator Physics will develop and become even better in the future."

The MEPhI students Elizaveta Khrenova and Mikhail Kozlov shared their impressions of their visit to the VBLHEP facility. "The NICA project is truly impressive," they said. "After several days of intensive theoretical immersion, it was extremely interesting to hear a detailed explanation of the scientific objectives and the current status of the accelerator complex and most importantly, to see what the lecturers had so vividly described."

Tatyana Kovrizhnykh also particularly praised the evening events that as she said, created the ideal conditions for informal networking and allowed participants to get to know each other better. She expressed deep appreciation for the organizers' efforts, emphasizing their prompt response to any issues that arose. "The School left an exceptionally positive impression. I sincerely hope to participate in future events," the young VBLHEP specialist concluded.

The Organizing Committee of the International School of Accelerator Physics expresses its deep gratitude to the lecturers and all participants of the event. The successful combination of proven approaches and new ideas allowed the School's programme to reach a reputable high level. This success will serve as a solid foundation for future events. The School of Accelerator Physics confidently becomes a magnet for talented young people eager to contribute to the development of accelerator physics.

School Organizing Committee,
photo by Alexey VORONTSOV