Welcome to the 7th Workshop on the Operation of Large Vacuum Systems (OLAV-VII).
Following the success of previous editions, OLAV-VII will once again bring together engineers, scientists, and technical experts involved in the design, construction, and operation of large-scale vacuum systems. The 2027 workshop will be hosted at Kobayashi Hall, KEK (High Energy Accelerator Research Organization) in Tsukuba, Japan, jointly hosted by KEK, JAEA (Japan Atomic Energy Agency)/J-PARC, and the JVSS (Japan Society of Vacuum and Surface Science).
OLAV workshops have established themselves as a distinctive platform for sharing practical experience and operational know-how across major research facilities worldwide — from particle accelerators to gravitational-wave observatories and other advanced scientific instruments that demand ultra-high or contamination-free vacuum conditions.
At OLAV-VII, we will continue to explore a broad spectrum of topics, including:
The management of dynamic and radiation-induced vacuum in high-current accelerators,
Integration of vacuum systems with cryogenics, controls, and diagnostics,
Particulate contamination mitigation for SRF and optical systems,
Material and surface behavior under extreme environments, and
Quality assurance, sustainability, and energy efficiency in large vacuum infrastructures.
The workshop format emphasizes the exchange of practical insights through oral presentations and in-depth discussions. Sessions will feature case studies, reports on operational experiences, and lessons learned from both successful implementations and unexpected failures. Participants are encouraged to share current challenges, propose innovative solutions, and discuss ongoing collaborative initiatives.
In addition, OLAV-VII will host updates from major international laboratories and projects, providing an opportunity to connect experts across institutions and disciplines, and to shape the future of large vacuum system operations together.
Join us at KEK, Tsukuba, for the 7th Workshop on the Operation of Large Vacuum Systems (OLAV-VII) in 2027 — a forum to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance the science and technology of vacuum engineering on a global scale.
