World's X-ray science facilities develop COVID-19 action plan
The best and brightest X-ray science facilities in the world are working together to help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The international network of X-ray Science Facilities’ role is to create and implement scientific and technological research activities to effectively study, understand and contribute solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic, including new drugs, therapeutic strategies and medical equipment developments.
This engagement has already started worldwide, and many X-ray Science Facilities are carrying out research focused on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and making available their instruments with rapid access and remote channels to scientists desiring to address specific COVID-19 research topics.
Participating federally-funded laboratories in the US include Argonne National Laboratory, SLAC National Acceleratory Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, which is primarily supported by the National Science Foundation.
In April, leadership from these facilities convened for a virtual summit and developed an action plan outlining how the facilities will work together to share information about COVID-19.
The action plan includes:
* Share information and contribute to the coordination of efforts across all X-ray Science Facilities on scientific research addressing the COVID-19 pandemic
* Explore the establishment of a worldwide X-ray Science Facilities network including university and industrial users for a comprehensive mobilization of facilities
* Study the development of a shared IT system to accelerate the process of information distribution, favor global cooperation among facilities and enable the most rapid and effective access for scientific projects across facilities
* Exchange experience on remote access and sample mail-in procedures by the user community to maintain and strengthen experimental activities without user travel
* Coordinate efforts of the X-ray Science Facilities with those of other analytical facilities as, for example, those using neutrons, cryo-electron-microscopy, lasers and nuclear magnetic resonance
Read more and see the full list of participants: https://www.anl.gov/article/worlds-xray-facilities-team-up-to-battle-cov...