Synchrotron radiation has been developed into one of the most important tools in a number of fields of research, which has been manifested in many of the most recent Nobel Prizes. This technology is also an ever-increasing important factor for present-day high-tech industrial development.

Over the course of the years, MAX-Lab has been developed from a local research laboratory into a virtual international research environment.Today, MAX-Lab is a leading centre for innovative accelerator designand instrument development. Many of MAX-Lab’s research teams have achieved world-leading status in the fast-growing field of research.

The most recently constructed MAX III represents the third generation's synchrotron light source, which is the most advanced and powerful that exists today. The fourth generation's synchrotron light source, MAX IV,is currently being planned with new ideas for its design, which will become the most brilliant laser source in the world.

The construction of new laser sources has been identified by the EU as one of the most important areas of European technological development, and a regional centre in Scandinavia is a necessary component for research in the infrastructure.