WG1.3 Experiment Environment

LEAPS WG1.3 Experiment Environment focuses on advancing the full spectrum of sample related capabilities across LEAPS facilities. This includes expertise in sample provision—such as sample holders, positioning systems, and automated sample changers—as well as the development of sophisticated sample environments that enable precise control of temperature, pressure, strain, magnetic and electric fields, and interactions with liquids or gases. One key focus area of WG1.3 is dedicated to the development and integration of setups that enable complementary operando and in situ experiments, ensuring coherent and interoperable capabilities across LEAPS facilities.
The overarching aim of WG1.3 is to enhance experiment environment capabilities through structured knowledge exchange, coordinated technical development, and strengthened collaboration on shared solutions across LEAPS facilities.
WG1.3 also plays a forward looking role by identifying emerging challenges and priority areas in experiment environment development. The group maintains active engagement with international partners, including the International Society for Sample Environment and the LENS sample environment community, ensuring alignment with global best practices and fostering coherent progress across research infrastructures.

The WG1.3 collaboration led to successful completion of several projects and initiatives:

• LEAPS-INNOV project, represented by WG1.3 members, led to the development of advanced translation and rotation demonstrators with integrated measurement and feedback systems to enable faster, more accurate sample scanning in X-ray beam and advancement in a shared, standardised set of tools and sample holders for solution samples, including new contactless delivery method for room temperature experiments.
• In the DIGITAL LEAPS project “STARS” we focused on digital and automated sample handling, bringing together experts from WG1.3 with experts from other LEAPS working groups to overcome the challenges of automated sample delivery, especially with remote access operation.
• LEAPS‑TECH was successfully awarded under Horizon Europe call HORIZON‑INFRA‑2025‑01‑TECH‑02, with a planned 48‑month duration. WP5, covering the activity of WG1.3, is dedicated to the development of standardised sample environments for electrochemical processes to be deployed across multiple LEAPS facility.

The new EU-funded project LEAPS‑TECH started in September 2026. Within this initiative, Work Package 5 – SEEQuality – is focusing on developing standardised, quality assured electrochemical sample environments for operando studies at synchrotron and FEL facilities. The work includes designing and optimising a suite of modular sample environments, creating an open access database, and ensuring robust integration across multiple facilities.