Preface

Abstract

When the decision was made to launch basic courses on the physics and technology of particle acceler- ators in the 1990s, this field was developing successfully at CERN, mainly for fundamental research in nuclear and particle physics. Not far from CERN, two other research laboratories were taking off and would soon gain an international reputation: 1) the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, with a large proton ring accelerator as its centrepiece; and 2) the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. Taking advantage of the many technologies developed for these purposes, special applications related to health and industry were also being worked out. In the acceler- ator field, technicians and engineers learned their specialisation on the job and in specialised workshops organised by the laboratories, each lasting one or two weeks per year. Over time, and with the needs ahead, these learning opportunities began to appear insufficient; therefore, organising extensive courses, starting at the ground level, was considered to be necessary.

Skimming through the full volume has been a tonic experience. I would like to thank the editorial board for inviting me to write this preface, which I have done in an old-fashioned way, without using AI! “AU REVOIR!” said the penguins on the card signed by the first JUAS class in 1994. Today, I wish JUAS a long life!