The first scientific experiments at the SKIF synchrotron in the Koltsovo science city near Novosibirsk are planned for September–October 2026. The first study will be related to new polyethylene. This was announced by the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
SKIF is a large scientific complex being built for both fundamental research and industrial tasks. According to the head of the Ministry of Education and Science, it includes 34 buildings and structures with a total area of almost 87,000 sq. m, and the entire development occupies about 30 hectares.
For the project, about 30 types of key equipment have been developed in Russia. Among them are klystrons, power supplies for electromagnets, and pumps for ultra-high vacuum systems.
The synchrotron is planned for use in microelectronics, structural biology, pharmaceuticals, materials science, medicine, aircraft manufacturing, chemistry, and thermonuclear fusion research.
Falkov noted that large Russian companies, including pharmaceutical and petrochemical ones, are already participating in the preparation of research programs so that the complex's capabilities can benefit the economy and industry.
The minister also spoke about the characteristics of the facility. According to him, SKIF belongs to the "four plus" generation – the most modern class of synchrotrons. The main characteristic of the facility is its ultra-small beam emittance: 72 picometers per radian. Falkov noted that by this indicator, the Russian complex surpasses a number of foreign counterparts. For example, the Brazilian Sirius synchrotron has an indicator of 250 picometers per radian.