Allan, Jordan, 15 November 2025. During a visit to the SESAME laboratory in Jordan today, Dr Silke Launert, Parliamentary Secretary of State of the German Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, announced that Germany intends to become Associate Member of SESAME and that the Ministry will initiate the application procedure.
“SESAME is a shining example of science bringing cultures and nations together,” said Dr Launert. “This announcement is wonderful news for SESAME”, said Rolf Heuer, President of the SESAME Council. “It recognises the many years of regional cooperation at SESAME, the fantastic research coming out of the laboratory, and the dedication of the SESAME staff and users. It opens the door to further progress.” SESAME Director Dr Khaled Toukan added, “SESAME has proven to be a success story for innovation and science diplomacy. With Germany, a world leading country in scientific research, advancing to Associate Member, will bring SESAME to a higher level of excellence and open new windows for scientific innovation”.
SESAME is a third-generation light source facility operated as an intergovernmental organization. Its current Members are Cyprus, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, Palestine, and Türkiye. Germany will become the Laboratory’s first Associate Member.
