Vision and Mission

STAR (Southern Europe Thomson Backscattering Source for Applied Research) is an advanced research facility centered around a state-of-the-art X-ray source. This infrastructure allows the use of sophisticated investigative techniques typically reserved for much larger facilities, such as synchrotrons, but at a fraction of the cost and with a more compact design. STAR’s mission is to conduct pioneering research in the fields of advanced materials science and technology.

The facility enjoys the unique advantage of being located within Italy’s largest university campus, a true Technology Hub that is closely connected to both engineering and scientific departments. Researchers from various institutions benefit from the proximity to relevant departments, allowing them to prepare samples, conduct experiments, and analyze results without delay.

Serving both the national and international scientific research communities, STAR also supports industries involved in areas such as Life Sciences, materials science, and technology. This includes applications ranging from biomedical research to the development of high-density materials for industrial manufacturing.