"We got really excited about the idea to contribute to something like LINXS" - interview with The Crafoord Foundation
The Crafoord Foundation is one of the major funders of LINXS, and made its launch as an Institute possible. We took the opportunity to ask the management at Crafoord what made them interested in LINXS to begin with during their recent visit to the Institute.
– We got really excited about the idea to contribute to something like LINXS; a new dynamic place, where research and exchange are in focus. For us this is a new venture since Crafoord do not normally support research environments, says Ebba Fischer, Chairwoman of The Crafoord Foundation.
What caught their interest to begin with was LINXS’ aim to become a bridge between MAX IV and ESS, and researchers at different universities and centres.
– As a funding organisation, we have a bird’s eye perspective in some ways. We can see that there is a need for communication and activity to create a strong research environment connected to these large infrastructures. Because one challenge that a place like MAX IV has, is of course to prolong the stay of the international researchers who use their equipment. You need to work on the so called soft qualities; to offer an interesting environment.
Ebba Fischer is of the opinion that LINXS is in a good place to create a setting where researchers can gather to exchange ideas, knowledge, and to develop relationships with researchers from other fields and industry. She is impressed by what she has seen so far:
– Usually it takes much longer to start something. But I think LINXS has achieved a good deal in a short time; it's not only a physical place, but researchers and groups from different disciplines are already working here.
She says that she is quite hopeful that LINXS will become an independent research institute in the future, a node for research and learning within neutron and x-ray science.
– Solving the challenge of long-term funding will of course be important, in order to become viable and financially independent in the long term. But I think it’s great that the Crafoord Foundation can be part of supporting LINXS, and other initiatives in the start-up phase.
Ebba Fischer, Chair of The Crafoord Foundation. Photo: Kennet Ruona, courtesy of The Crafoord Foundation.