December 5, 2005, Brussels, Belgium--More than 200 experts from 16 European member states and 120 companies have gathered for a workshop to officially launch the European Technology Platform Photonics21. They will actively contribute to a European Research Area for photonics.

The European Technology Platform Photonics21 is the result of previous consultations between high-level representatives of the European photonics industry, Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Information Society and Media, and the Commissioner for Research, Janez Potočnik. It is based on the vision document "Photonics for the 21st Century", published earlier this year, which proposes a coordinated action plan at the European level to explore the nearly limitless future applications of light and to reap the expected benefits in terms of creating both jobs and wealth.

Through a shared vision between industrial and public actors, the Photonics21 platform is intended to create the critical environment necessary for visionary and industrially relevant R&D in photonic components, systems and applications. The Platform seeks to establish Europe as a leader in the development and deployment of photonics in five industrial areas--Information and Communication, Lighting and Displays, Manufacturing, Life Science, and Security--as well as in Education and Training. The strategic research agenda will include a coordinated approach for R&D investment at the European, the national and the regional levels.

Photonics21 is headed by the chairmen of several international companies, including Jenoptik, Bookham, TRUMPF Lasertechnology, Carl Zeiss, Philips Lighting and SAGEM.

Mon Dec 05 09:50:00 CST 2005