Launch of Lasers4EU: A central platform for accessing European laser research infrastructures

The launch of the EU co-funded project Lasers4EU on October 1, 2024, marks a new era in laser research. By bringing together 29 leading laser research institutions across Europe, the project offers a central platform with unprecedented access to cutting-edge laser technologies and services for external scientists from academia and industry. Beyond transnational access, the successor of the Laserlab-Europe project provides comprehensive training opportunities, equipping users with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in laser technologies and applications. The project will receive 5 million euros from the European Union.

Lasers4EU integrates the expertise and resources of its diverse Access Providing Infrastructures (APIs), ensuring a coordinated offer for a wide-ranging user community. Whether seeking specialised laser facilities for groundbreaking research or looking to leverage cutting-edge laser technology for industrial innovation, Lasers4EU is the central hub for accessing Europe's laser research infrastructures.

29 leading laser research institutions from 15 European countries joined forces in Lasers4EU to:

Provide coordinated access to high-quality services based on a coherent and comprehensive consortium offering cutting-edge performances to users from academia as well as from industry. Researchers and industry professionals will be able to apply for access at https://lasers4.eu;
Structure the European landscape of laser research infrastructures by enhancing geographical coverage, fostering new science diplomacy activities, increasing synergy with other European networks, and building stronger collaborations between facilities;
Increase European human resources in the field of laser science by implementing comprehensive training activities designed to equip the next generation of scientists with the skills and knowledge needed to fully utilise Europe’s leading laser infrastructures. These programmes will particularly focus on researchers from emerging scientific domains and those from regions with developing laser research communities, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic future for European laser science.

Expanding European collaboration and innovation
Lasers4EU represents the future of European laser research, uniting infrastructures, expertise, and resources in a way that will drive scientific discovery and technological innovation. “Our strength is our diversity, which is reflected in the extensive network that spans 27 APIs, along with ELI ERIC and the association Laserlab-Europe AISBL with all their members being associate partners”, says Sylvie Jacquemot, scientific coordinator of the project. “Together, we will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of laser science and technology, offering coordinated access and training that will inspire a new wave of advancements.”

For more information on Lasers4EU, access opportunities and training programmes, please visit https://lasers4.eu.

About Lasers4EU
Lasers4EU is a project co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme with 5 million euro under grant agreement number 101131771. It integrates 29 leading laser research infrastructures across Europe, providing unparalleled access to laser research laboratories. By promoting collaboration, innovation, and training, Lasers4EU aims to enhance Europe's position in laser science and technology.

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.