There is a long list of implemented measures: new leadership training has been instigated at different levels, new work procedures and processes have been introduced, roles and areas of responsibility have been clarified, the requested technical division has been established and progress has been made on the financial follow-up process. The measures are the start of a long journey, but the organisation is moving in the right direction. The staff have a high level of commitment and there is a feeling that MAX IV is on the way to a positive future, a perception that the committee shares.
The committee considers that MAX IV needs to monitor external developments and competition to a greater extent. Other 4th generation light sources are in the pipeline and MAX IV should ensure as soon as possible that it derives the full benefit from the scientific success of its innovative accelerator design.
There are possibilities for increased sustainability in the operation of the accelerators, beamlines and conducting of experiments. Science oriented towards sustainability is an important societal requirement supported by considerable funding, in which MAX IV needs to play an active role.
Financial problems caused by rapidly rising rent and energy costs must be managed more proactively and limitation plans must be drawn up together with MAX IV’s board and Lund University.
The accelerator team continues to add new functions to the machines and thereby protects its leading position. In early 2023, the last two of the 16 financed beamlines will go into operation, which marks the end of the current construction phase. There is a considerable increase in the number of MAX IV’s publications compared with the previous year.
Read the complete review in English: SRC MAX IV 6th project review report 2022.pdf
New chair of the MAX IV board
MAX IV’s board has a new chair. Robert Feidenhans'l is a professor of X-ray Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen and chair and director of the XFEL free-electron laser facility in Hamburg. He lives in Denmark and Germany and has many years of experience in leading positions at large research infrastructures and on science boards and committees in Europe and the USA. Among other positions, he has been chair of the board at the European research infrastructure, ESRF, in France, chair of the European XFEL Council and director of the Niels Bohr Institute. Robert Feidenhans'l replaces Peter Honeth, whose term of office has ended.
“I have followed MAX IV’s activities and have had close cooperation with the facility for a long time. As chair of the board, I look forward to ensuring that MAX IV can develop in the long term so that the facility continues to maintain its world-class standing at the very highest level,” says Robert Feidenhans’l.
Read more about the new MAX IV board
Search for a new director
MAX IV is now looking for a new director, who will have overall responsibility for management, operations and strategic planning at the MAX IV Laboratory. The director reports to the board.