Since 2009, Russia has been involved in an international project to build and operate the European X-ray free-electron laser installation. The installation is being built in Hamburg, Germany, and is intended for research in a number of areas, including solid state physics, geophysics, chemistry, materials science, medicine, and structural microbiology. The signed directive instructs the Kurchatov Institute National Research Centre to pay the remaining share of the Russian Federation’s contribution towards the construction of the installation. The funds for these purposes have been allocated from the 2017 federal budget.

Reference

Drafted by the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.

The construction of the world’s most powerful free-electron laser, the European X-ray free-electron laser installation (hereinafter XFEL, installation) is nearing completion in Hamburg, Germany. The installation will make it possible to pursue research at a level previously inaccessible for scientists in materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, and biology, including studying viruses practically on an atomic level, determining the molecular composition of cells, and creating 3D images in the nanoworld, as well as recording ultrafast chemical processes in real time. 

In keeping with Government Directive No.1025-r of 23 July 2009, Russia participates in the international project to build and operate XFEL. Russia is a key partner in implementing the project and second after Germany in the size of its share (26.79%). The Russian Federation has made an important contribution to developing the free electron laser idea and supplied Russian-made high-technology equipment, as well as special-purpose contributions towards the construction of the installation.

The participant in the project from the Russian Party is the Federal State Budgetary Institution Kurchatov Institute National Research Centre (hereinafter, Kurchatov Institute).

The Convention on the Construction and Operation of the Installation provides for the participants in the project assuming definite financial obligations. Since 2009, Russia has allocated special-purpose contributions towards implementing the project.

The signed directive instructs the Kurchatov Institute to pay the remaining share of the Russian Federation’s contribution towards the construction of the installation. The funds for these purposes have been allocated from the 2017 federal budget.

The decision makes it possible to complete the project within the planned timeframe. The launching of the installation will offer new opportunities for studying chemical and physical processes. Implementing the project will enable Russian researchers as full-fledged participants in the international cooperation in the physical, chemical, materials science, and biomedical research to use what they develop, specifically new synchrotron radiation sources, and access the most advanced technologies.      

The message reads, in part:

“On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, I express my deep condolences over the numerous victims of the terror attack in the centre of Barcelona.

“There can be no justification for this criminal act committed by international terrorists. All those responsible for its preparation and implementation must bear a severe punishment.

“Please convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families of the deceased, and wishes of a speedy recovery to all those injured.”

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“I would like to particularly note your valuable personal contribution to the development of traditionally friendly Russian-Algerian cooperation in trade and the economy, science and technology, and cultural and humanitarian affairs. I believe that further strengthening bilateral relations fully corresponds with the fundamental interests of our countries. I will gladly take an opportunity to discuss the details of prospective and mutually beneficial projects with you during my visit to Algeria in October 2017.”

Excerpts from the transcript:

Nursultan Nazarbayev: I’m happy to have this opportunity to meet with you, Mr Medvedev, in order to compare notes in these challenging times and discuss our agendas.

Dmitry Medvedev: It is a great pleasure for me to be here with you. Congratulations on the organisation of EXPO 2017 Astana. This is a major event for your country, and our union in general. Today, we will discuss the current items on the economic agenda of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.

I would like to thank you for these wonderful working conditions and convey greetings on behalf of Vladimir Putin and the Russian authorities in general. We hope that our bilateral relations will maintain the same positive momentum as in recent years.

Excerpts from the transcript:

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Karapetyan, let me again wish you a happy birthday. I wish you success in your work.

We have an opportunity to discuss between our governments some issues of bilateral relations.

The situation is good in general, because we are witnessing both an increase in the supply of goods from Armenia to Russia, and a general growth in mutual trade volume. We continue to coordinate our positions on joint investment projects in the areas of economic cooperation that have emerged recently.

Overall, it is positive, but this does not mean we have nothing to discuss. Let us talk about the current situation.

Karen Karapetyan: Mr Medvedev, thank you for the birthday wishes.

In fact, the agenda is quite extensive. I also want to note the economic improvements. I would like to discuss a series of issues, including the dates of your visit to Armenia.