UK High-End Computing Consortium for X-ray Spectroscopy (HPC-CONEXS)

Scientific breakthroughs are strongly associated with technological developments, which enable the measurement of matter to an increased level of detail. A prime example of this is the development of femtosecond lasers, which opened up the field of ultrafast spectroscopy. This had a huge impact on our understanding of chemical reactions, biological functions and phase transitions in materials owing to their ability to probe, in real-time, the nuclear motion within these different types of systems.

A modern revolution is underway in X-ray science with the emergence of tools capable of delivering high-brilliance ultrashort pulses of X-rays. The UK, through the Diamond Light source, investment into the European X-FEL and world-leading research groups are at the forefront of these experimental endeavors. Crucially, the complicated nature and high information context of X-ray spectroscopic observables means that a strong synergy between experiment and theory is required. Since 2019, the COllaborative NEtwork for X-ray Spectroscopy (CONEXS, EP/S022058/1) has established a strong community of over 600 researchers in the area of X-ray spectroscopy, with a primary focus of
nurturing a strong synergy between experiment and theory. Through providing access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, the UK High-End Computing Consortium for X-ray Spectroscopy (HPC-CONEXS) will develop computational tools to advance the detailed analysis of experimental data. It will also provide resources and training for both experts and non-experts to further enhance the synergy between experiment and theory ensuring maximum impact from the UK's research and investment in this area.