Call for proposals for Laserlab-Europe AISBL/ Lasers4EU Short-term R&D projects

Laserlab-Europe AISBL and Lasers4EU are pleased to launch a joint call for proposals for short-term R&D projects.

The objectives of this call are:

  1. to improve the user-friendliness of the tools offered to external users,
  2. to expand the range of instruments available to users.

 Examples of developments for Objective 1:

  • Simplified data acquisition interfaces
  • Procedures to more accurately characterise the experimental conditions, in order to improve data replicability, reproducibility and reusability
  • Standardised diagnostics or detectors
  • Common calibration tools
  • Automated acquisition systems, for automatic production of FAIR-compatible data or facilitation of remote access

Examples of developments for Objective 2:

  • Non-linear optical devices capable of generating laser wavelengths not previously available
  • Closed-loop laser beam stabilization subsystem versatile enough to be implemented in various facilities
  • Shareable ultra-short-pulse laser diagnostic tools – for e.g. pulse contrast or carrier envelope phase – not yet commercially available
  • Any portable device (for instance for post-pulse compression) to be used for joint experiments

 

Proposals must involve at least two partners, one of which must be a Lasers4EU access provider.

Successful proposals will be supported by Lasers4EU up to 8 k€. Proposals with a Laserlab-Europe AISBL partner who is not a Lasers4EU member will receive up to an additional 8 k€ from Laserlab-Europe AISBL, totalling 16 k€ max. Co-funding will be provided for consumables and travel only. Personnel costs will not be reimbursed and will be considered as co-funding by the participating labs.

Guidelines for proposals

  • The short-term R&D projects should be completed within 2 years after approval.
  • Compliance with open access is mandatory: all project partners must commit to making technical drawings, procedures, and software freely available for use.
  • Deadline for proposals: 28 November 2025
  • Proposals may be brief but have to contain the following information:
    • Proposal title
    • List of partners and contacts
    • Proposal description and timeline (up to 250 words)
    • Description of the planned impact of the short-term R&D project
    • Estimation of costs (including personnel)

 

Selection of proposals

The Activity Board will select proposals based on:

  • Alignment with stated objectives
  • Technical and operational maturity of the solutions described in the proposal
  • Cost efficiency (co-funding)
  • Identification of sustainable impact that can easily be tracked

 

Proposals must be submitted by email to calls@lasers4.eu

For further information, please contact Neide Pedro pedro@laserlab-europe.eu