World-scale breakthroughs that will solidify Russia’s position as a global leader in technology are on the horizon at the uniquely innovative SKIF scientific facility, according to Valery Falkov, Russia’s Minister of Science and Higher Education. "I am certain that the SKIF Center will deliver world-class breakthroughs that will profoundly enhance Russia’s technological leadership," Falkov stated. "By involving undergraduate and graduate students in its research endeavors, we are cultivating the next generation of Russia’s scientific elite." The SKIF synchrotron, a colossal mega-science facility, is set to become Russia’s first and the world’s most powerful 4+ generation synchrotron radiation source. On August 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin toured the Siberian Ring Photon Source (SKIF) Shared Use Center, inspecting preparations for the facility’s forthcoming launch.