INRS and ELI deepen strategic partnership to train the next generation in laser science

PhD students will benefit from international mobility and privileged access to cutting-edge infrastructure

2025-06-04

(Press-News.org) On May 26, the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) welcomed a European delegation from the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI), marking a significant milestone in strengthening scientific ties between Canada and Europe in the field of high-intensity laser science. The visit was part of a cross-Canada tour organized in partnership with the Hungarian and Czech Embassies, host countries of the ELI facilities.

At the heart of this meeting was a shared commitment to advancing ultrafast laser science and training the next generation of highly skilled researchers. INRS, internationally recognized for its work in advanced materials, nanotechnology, photonics, telecommunications, and sustainable energy, found in ELI a natural partner with world-class research infrastructure.

A Collaboration Reinforced A cornerstone of this expertise is the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS) laboratory, a national laser user facility, unique of its kind and a world-class research centre focused on developing next-generation laser systems to explore novel phenomena in matter with ultrafast tools. With over 250 national and international users annually, ALLS brings together first-class researchers across the innovation sectors of Canada from quantum materials, energy research, biomedical applications to agriculture.

“The partnership between ELI and Canada connects Canadian research talent with ELI’s cutting-edge infrastructure, enabling our researchers and students to engage in scientific experiments at ELI, develop new technologies, and contribute to a global community that is driving discovery at the frontiers of laser science,” adds François Légaré, Director of INRS Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre, CEO of the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS), and long-time collaborator of ELI.

“One of the main objectives of the visit was to explore ways to further strengthen the already strong engagement between the Canadian research community and ELI. The potential for future cooperation is huge and needs a framework that goes beyond individual projects and fosters real continuity in how we do science together,” says Florian Gliksohn, ELI Executive Director.

An International Training Program A key highlight of the visit was the signing of an agreement on joint training program between INRS and ELI, complementing a Collaboration Agreement signed in 2024 between the two institutions.

Thanks to this agreement, PhD students will benefit from joint supervision, increased international mobility, and privileged access to world-class research infrastructure. These facilities house some of the most powerful lasers in the world and provide unique opportunities for multidisciplinary research. This is a major step forward in training the next generation of scientists in this rapidly evolving field.

“This agreement will serve as a powerful lever to train the next generation of researchers in one of the most promising and transformative fields of science,. It reflects our commitment to providing our student community with access to the best expertise in laser science and cutting-edge international infrastructure, while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in Quebec and Canada, with strategic international partners.”

Isabelle Delisle, Scientific Director of INRS Florian Gliksohn, Executive Director of ELI, and Isabelle Delisle, Scientific Director of INRS

A Dynamic of Cooperation Scientific workshops and laboratory visits were also held at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre, bringing together experts in photonics, plasma physics, and quantum technologies from the Quebec and Canadian photonics ecosystem as well as industry partners. These exchanges helped identify concrete synergies and plan joint projects.

“Fostering exchange between technicians, trainees, and researchers will allow us to streamline the operation and optimization of both high-power laser facilities ALLS and ELI”

Heide Ibrahim, research associate at INRS and director of ALLS The teams from ELI and ALLS had the opportunity to meet with major Canadian funding agencies during a meeting hosted by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. This gathering allowed them to explore shared interests and potential collaboration opportunities.

For INRS, this collaboration with ELI is part of a broader strategy to develop impactful international partnerships. It reflects the Institute’s commitment to training top-tier scientific talent and contributing actively to major advances in high-intensity laser science on a global scale.

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