SESAME welcomed archaeology experts and scientists from seven Arab countries for a week-long regional training course held on its premises from 7 to 11 September. It focused on exploring advanced X-ray and forensic techniques to authenticate and protect the Arab region’s cultural heritage objects. It brought together scientists from Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Syria to learn how state-of-the-art methods can help combat illegal trafficking and safeguard the archaeological treasures of the region.
The training course, funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the RAS 1032 project, was held under the auspices of the Arab States in Asia for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (ARASIA), organised by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC), and the Department of Antiquities in Jordan, and hosted by SESAME.
Dr. Khaled Toukan, Director of SESAME, emphasized in his opening remarks that the significance of the training goes beyond science alone and must also be seen as a national responsibility: “Preserving our cultural heritage is not just a scientific endeavour—it is a national responsibility. This training marks a critical step in equipping our region with the tools to safeguard our shared identity against fraud and deterioration”.
He further highlighted that the training course demonstrates the power of advanced analytical techniques, such as synchrotron-based X-ray methods at SESAME, to protect the region’s cultural legacy: “SESAME is proud to host experts from across the Arab world and to contribute to a multidisciplinary effort that bridges science and cultural heritage while enhancing regional cooperation”.
Participants engaged in both theoretical lectures and hands-on experiments using synchrotron, portable, and benchtop XRF sources, ion beam analysis (IBA), and other analytical tools for combating illicit trafficking and preserving artefacts. Field visits included those to the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission’s laboratories, and the Regional Centre for Training in Maintenance and Restoration in Jarash. A visit of SESAME’s laboratory was also organized.
Speaking on the topic “Promoting Cultural Heritage Sciences at SESAME,” Dr. Gihan Kamel, the Infrared Beamline Scientist at SESAME, said science is not only a tool for innovation but also a bridge to the shared past. She explained how synchrotron techniques at SESAME enable researchers to study manuscripts, artworks, textiles, and archaeological artefacts at the molecular level without causing damage. This non-destructive approach helps identify pigments, dyes, binding media, and degradation processes, offering insights into both the history of cultural objects and their preservation needs.
Dr. Kamel stressed SESAME’s role as a collaborative international synchrotron fostering cross-border projects, training, and knowledge exchange in heritage science. “Our work demonstrates that science can bridge cultures by helping us better understand and protect the shared heritage of our region,” she said. “Through cultural heritage sciences, we illuminate the stories embedded in ancient artefacts and monuments, using synchrotron light to reveal invisible layers of history and foster collaboration across borders.”
The training course also underscored the critical role of international collaboration, with contributions from UNESCO, INTERPOL, and UNODC reinforcing the global dimension of heritage protection. The week concluded with participants engaging in data evaluation exercises, forensic interpretation, and discussions on drafting analytical guidelines for the IAEA’s RAS1032 project on cultural heritage protection.