Russia's SKIF Synchrotron First Scientific User Competition Expected to Launch in Second Half of 2027

The competition to select the first research teams for the Siberian Circular Photon Source (SKIF) synchrotron in Russia is planned for the second half of 2027. Valery Bukhtiyarov, Director of the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated at the Technoprom-2026 forum held in Novosibirsk that the first open competition will be launched in the second half of 2027. The institute is responsible for commissioning the construction of this large-scale scientific facility.

Bukhtiyarov noted that SKIF is scheduled to receive synchrotron radiation and conduct its first experiments in the autumn. Construction of the facility was completed in June 2026, with an opening ceremony held in August 2026. Once operational, SKIF will use synchrotron radiation to help researchers gain deep insights into the internal structure of matter and obtain high-precision data on the structure and behavior of materials.

Yuri Olenin, Science and Strategy Advisor to Rosatom, stated during the forum that large-scale research facilities such as SKIF are of significant importance for technological development and can serve multiple directions in the future, including major related projects, industrial tasks, and research on wind energy issues. He also noted that efficient operation of such facilities requires broad scientific collaboration.

The 13th International Technology Development Forum "Technoprom" was held in Novosibirsk from August 26 to 28, with delegations from 40 countries in attendance. The forum's theme was "Russian Science — The Cornerstone of Technological Leadership," with an agenda covering the launch of SKIF, the operation of large-scale scientific facilities, as well as topics such as intelligent systems and future medicine.