Some reflections on the growth of synchrotron radiation research

The author discusses the recent growth of synchrotron radiation as a research tool. Evidence is presented which suggests that the rate of generation of data is moving ahead of the rate at which that data may be analysed and published. Also, although current capital investment for dedicated synchrotron radiation facilities is high, funding for the necessary instrumentation is inadequate for full use to be made of the new facilities as they become available. (W.D.L.)