September 26, 2005, Grenoble, France--The European Commission (EC) has launched a new project within its 6th Framework Programme that will contribute to the coordination of research in photonics and nanotechnologies. The goal of the MONA project (Merging Optics and Nanotechnologies) is to leverage synergies in photonics and nanotechnologies, seeking to increase the impact and efficiency of investment on European research.
The MONA project will coordinate FP-6 R&D programmes with relevant industries, and with regional and national research programmes inside and outside Europe. The project has three principal objectives:
--Create a common site for the exchange of information concerning research, networks of excellence, and integrated projects in photonics and nanotechnologies.
--Promote the timely exchange of scientific results, market development, and technology needs through MONA-developed workshops.
--Develop a European roadmap for photonics and nanotechnologies.
The MONA project is also intended to foster collaborations between photonics and nanotechnologies stakeholders and will help preparing future research activities. A major outcome of MONA will be a consolidated scenario (time horizon 5-10 years), setting out development and technology road maps.
Six European countries and regions are involved in the execution of MONA, under the leadership of the CEA-LETI, with input from several industry and research groups, including Acreo, AIXTRON, Alcatel-Thales, ASMI, the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), INTEC, OpticsValley, Schott, VDI Technologiezentrum (VDI TZ), and Yole Développement.