Russia inaugurates $1 billion SKIF synchrotron radiation center

President Vladimir Putin officially inaugurated the Siberian Photon Source (SKIF) Joint Usage Center in Koltsovo, near Novosibirsk, on August 11, 2026. The project, valued at nearly $1 billion, marks a significant milestone in Russia's scientific and technological development.

SKIF is a “mega-science” facility designed for synchrotron radiation research. It is the first in a network of modern synchrotron and neutron research infrastructure being developed under a federal scientific program through 2030. The facility utilizes “4+” generation technology, which is among the most advanced in the world.

With a beam energy of 3 GeV and an extremely low emittance of 75 picomet-radians, SKIF is considered one of the world's best radiation sources in the medium-energy segment. The project places Russia in an exclusive group of nations possessing this specific level of synchrotron technology, alongside Sweden, France, and Brazil. President Putin noted that key equipment for the facility was researched and manufactured by Russian engineers.