The Lasers4EU project, officially launched on 1 October 2024, has completed its first 12 months of activity, marking a strong start in building a European-wide virtual distributed laser research infrastructure. The project brings together leading laser research institutions to offer transnational access to these laser facilities, to foster training and capacity building for the next generation of laser scientists, and to strengthen Europe’s competitive edge in laser technology.
The Lasers4EU Access Programme
Lasers4EU offers access to laser technologies and services from primary and secondary laser sources to a wide range of laser-based instruments and techniques at 27 state-of-the-art laser facilities.
Compared to its predecessor Laserlab-Europe, Lasers4EU provides access to three additional labs:
- Deutsches Elektronen‑Synchrotron (DESY) joined the project with five ultrafast-laser setups (attosecond, femtosecond and picosecond regimes), augmenting the portfolio of available infrastructure.
- INFLPR offers access to two laboratories focusing on the interaction of ultra-short high-intensity lasers with matter and its applications as well as fundamental research and industrial applications in the field of laser materials processing.
- The Laser Matter Interaction Group at MUT-IOE specializes in the development of laser-driven sources of X-rays and extreme ultraviolet and their application in scientific research and modern technology.
Access Search Tool
To help users identify the lab that best suits their research needs, Lasers4EU offers an Access Search Tool in which users select their scientific field and area of interest, and the tool will guide them to detailed profiles of facilities that align with their research goals.
Pre-project training
Before the start of the access period, young scientists can arrange a visit to the host laboratory to receive hands-on training in using the equipment, experimental set-ups, data-acquisition systems and analysis methods for up to one week.
This pre-project training helps young scientists to build essential technical skills and shortens the learning curve for the rest of the team, boosting overall productivity.
User meeting on nanoscience in Seville
Lasers4EU participated in the joint Laserlab-Europe and Radiate User Meeting on Nanoscience with numerous user presentations highlighting laser-based science in this field. From 19 to 21 October 2025, Lasers4EU users presented their research to the laser and ion beam communities and exchanged ideas on how to combine different techniques in the frame of the RIANA project.
Training schools
During its first year, Lasers4EU successfully initiated four training schools:
- Women in Photonics (1-5 June 2025, Jena/Germany)
- Laser Spectroscopy and Photonic Technologies for Circular Economy: Advancing Sustainable Innovations in Material Research and Diagnostics (in collaboration with the ReMade@ARI project, 19-20 June 2025, Heraklion/Greece)
- High‐Power Lasers for Industrial Applications (16-17 Oct 2025, Dolni Břežany/Czechia)
- Hands-on Course on MINDLAB: Manipulating and Investigating Neural Dynamics for Learning and Ageing in the Brain (4-7 Nov 2025, Castelldefels/Spain)
Webinars
Lasers4EU runs two Webinar series that provided in total 12 webinars by now:
- Lasers4EU webinars is a bi-annual series of online seminars that explores themes at the intersection of laser science, research infrastructure, innovation and research services. In 2025, two webinars on Technology transfer and patenting as well as Open Science and the societal impact of scientific research took place.
- Laserlab-Europe Talks is an established series of online seminars on thematic or research-specific topics that provide a platform for regular information exchange and knowledge sharing. The Talks are open to all interested parties, from PhD students to experts in the field as well as industrial and medical partners. Since the start of Lasers4EU, 10 Laserlab-Europe Talks were broadcasted.
Newsletter
During the first year, two Laserlab Forum newsletters have been published covering the following topics:
- #37 Lasers and cultural heritage
From decoding ancient secrets to preserving iconic masterpieces, laser-based technologies continue to transform our understanding of cultural heritage. The laser experts from Lasers4EU have played a vital role in uncovering, understanding, and preserving Europe’s rich history. Remarkable projects are presented that demonstrate the unique power of laser technologies to examine and preserve Europe’s cultural treasures for generations to come. - #38 Lasers for Industry
At the crossroads of scientific discovery and industrial application lies a powerful catalyst for progress. This focus topic explores how laser-based technologies are advancing through dynamic collaborations between academia and industry. From developing cutting-edge instrumentation to pioneering new applications, the laser experts from Lasers4EU have driven many success stories.
Outlook
In the coming months, Lasers4EU will extend its access offer to international researchers from academia, industry and medical centres by opening its multi-instrument and industry routes. Proposals for access will be accepted until 2028.
In May 2026, the Lasers4EU user meeting 2026 will take place at HiLASE Centre in Dolni Břežany, Czechia.