SOLEIL Gif-sur-Yvette and Saclay, which host other facilities for nuclear and particle physics. The facility is an associate member of the University of Paris-Saclay. SOLEIL also hosts IPANEMA, the European research platform on ancient materials (archaeology, palaeontology, past environments and cultural heritage), a joint CNRS / French Ministry of Culture and Communication research unit. SOLEIL covers fundamental research needs in physics, chemistry, material sciences, life sciences (notably in the crystallography of biological macromolecules), earth sciences, and atmospheric sciences. It offers the use of a wide range of spectroscopic methods from infrared to X-rays, and structural methods such as X-ray diffraction and
Soleil Island southern part is the location of a new luxurious neighborhood. Soleil is linked to the mainland by a causeway. Soleil Island Ile Soleil is a small artificial island (0.14 km²) in the Seychelles, lying 50m off the east coast of Mahé, near the runway of the Seychelles International Airport. The island was reclaimed in 2008 after the Dubai Dredger finished its work in the Victoria Port islands. The local Anse-aux-Pins mayor decided he wanted an artificial island as well. There are plans to build a new terminal on the island, due to housing problems. The island belongs to Anse-aux-Pins District.