Dear CHESS community,

As we celebrate the festive season, I'm delighted to announce the completion of Wilson West, the new home for the High Magnetic Field (HMF) Beamline. Our team's dedication ensured a smooth construction, minimizing disruptions to user operations and enabling exceptional CESR up-time and outstanding data collection at CHESS.

In preparation for this beamline, we're testing a new 10-tesla magnet and pioneering novel techniques for exploratory measurements. The HMF beamline will soon serve as a testament to our commitment to advancing research infrastructure.

This year's PALSA conference underscored the impact of synchrotron techniques on disease research and drought-resistant crops, emphasizing our potential to bolster food security and revolutionize agricultural processes. We extend our gratitude to the CHESS community—both existing and new members—for propelling advancements in science and society.

Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the integration of new detectors and the arrival of fresh faces at CHESS, amplifying our influence on the future. Our researchers are at the forefront of change, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient world. CHESS is honored to be part of this journey, addressing global challenges and making a significant positive impact on our planet.

As we reflect on our accomplishments, express gratitude for your unwavering support, and embrace the possibilities of the new year, I wish everyone a restful and joyous holiday season.

Best wishes for 2024,

Joel Brock, Director, CHESS (email Joel)