Accelerators are not only essential for exploring the origins of the Universe but also serve various other purposes in research and beyond. Throughout the 20th century, basic science drove the development of new accelerators to achieve higher energies and luminosities. As accelerator technology progressed, the potential for new applications expanded.
In the transition from the 20th to the 21st century, a new paradigm emerged where applied sciences (such as photon and neutron science, as well as hadrons), industry, and medicine became significant driving forces for innovation in accelerator technologies. Today, these sectors represent the largest users of accelerators.
This presentation will offer an overview of the current state of particle physics and its challenges, along with a comprehensive review of the diverse applications of accelerators, including their critical role in medical advancements. It will also delve into the recent initiative by CSIC and CDTI aimed at constructing the initial acceleration stage for a future ion therapy facility in Valencia.
IBV, CSIC – Sede Jaume Roig