Particle Accelerators for Society and Sustainability

The course is divided in three parts: an introductory phase in hybrid or flipped-classroom format providing input on fundamental aspects relevant for the topic, a project phase in which participants develop ideas for accelerator-based applications with high relevance for societal impact or with high sustainability potential, and a presentation and documentation phase in which participants present and discuss project ideas. The introductory phase exemplifies aspects of the following topics: UN Sustainable Development Goals Systems approach for analyzing the interrelation between science aspects in sustainability and environmental, societal, and economic dimensions Overview of particle-accelerator components and small-scale accelerators for applications Examples for techniques and developments in particle-accelerator science and related areas supporting aspects of sustainability Sustainability considerations for small and large-scale research facilities in nuclear and particle physics Based on this introductory information, participants will work out a presentation for a particular application that uses particle accelerators for applications not related to basic-science experiments or that help improving sustainability aspects in the operation of particle accelerator facilities. Preparation and presentation are usually carried out in groups of 2-3 participants. Presentations are shared among the group participants and accompanied by a fact sheet on their ideas as a basis for discussion. The fact sheet is accompanied by a brief reflection about (possible) AI improvements during the preparation phase.