CARE: Coordinated Accelerator Research in Europe: integrating activity implemented as integrated infrastructure initiative

The main objective of the CARE project was to generate a structured and integrated European area in the field of accelerator research and related R&D. A set of integrating activities involving the largest European infrastructure laboratories and their user communities “active in accelerator R&D”, including industrial partners was established with the following general objectives: 1) To optimise the use of existing infrastructures for improving the European knowledge on accelerator physics  By promoting a coherent and coordinated utilization and development of infrastructures and to facilitate the access to accelerators and test facilities for carrying accelerator studies  By understanding accelerator operation and reliability issues 2) To tackle new or state-of-the-art technologies in a more co-ordinated and collaborative approach  By developing a coherent and coordinated accelerator R&D program in Europe and carrying out joint R&D projects allowing one to enhance the existing (or in construction) facilities provided by the research infrastructures. These facilities could also be used as test beds for future projects either  by developing and testing advanced accelerator components  by exploring and testing new ideas and concepts. More generally, by establishing a closer interaction between a large number of scientist 3) To enhance the collaboration amongst accelerator physicists on the one hand and to develop the synergy between particle physicists and accelerator physicists on the other hand.  By promoting inter-disciplinary collaboration including industry  By developing further and reinforcing the European expertise for the conception, design, development, construction and operation of new particle accelerators for High Energy Physics. The framework of CARE has successfully integrated the subjects, the infrastructures and the expertise.