The Institute of Advanced Light Source Facilities, Shenzhen (IASF) officially moved into its new comprehensive building Oct. 22, marking a major milestone in the development of the mega science facility cluster in Guangming Science City. This signifies that the cluster has entered a new stage of high-quality development, as the first research institute officially establishes its presence there.
Located in the northwest of Guangming Science City, the mega cluster serves as a core hub for Shenzhen's major scientific infrastructure projects. Centered around Liantang Reservoir, the cluster covers a total planned area of about 6 square kilometers — including a 5-square-kilometer core zone and a 1-square-kilometer expansion zone. The area focuses on constructing large-scale, scarce scientific facilities, supporting frontier interdisciplinary research platforms, and leveraging its rich ecological surroundings to build a “Scientific Green Valley,” blending scientific landscapes with natural scenery.
Several high-level scientific platforms — including Phase II of the National Supercomputing Center in Shenzhen and Pengcheng Cloud Brain III — are currently under rapid construction, generating strong momentum for innovation in Guangming.
The newly completed IASF comprehensive building, with a total floor area of over 30,000 square meters, is the first operational scientific research building in the cluster. Its official opening not only marks the first scientific institution's entry into the area but also launches a new chapter for the Shenzhen Free Electron Laser (FEL) team, the first major scientific project team to settle in the cluster.
Situated next to the FEL project site, the new building provides an internationally advanced research environment for scientists. Its operation also signals that the construction of the Shenzhen Free Electron Laser facility is entering a phase of full acceleration, injecting fresh momentum into Guangming Science City's mission to build a world-class science hub.
Academician Yang Xueming, who leads the FEL project, described the move as “a new starting point in our pursuit of dreams.” He emphasized that the institute will take root in Guangming and serve the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by advancing the construction of the FEL's main structure, ensuring that key milestones are achieved on schedule.
Following the ceremony, participants toured the new IASF facility. Officials from Guangming District introduced the overall planning and construction progress of the mega science facility cluster and surrounding areas. They said Guangming District would continue providing top-tier support and services, ensuring that the IASF achieves sustained, high-quality development within Guangming Science City.