The Final Science Café of 2024 showcased advanced laser technologies

Representatives of ELI ERIC, Allen Weeks, and Daniele Margarone discussed the multiple applications within the infrastructure.

On November 21, 2024, the final edition of this year’s Science Café took place at the Prague House in Brussels. Organized in collaboration with the Representation of the South Moravian Region in Brussels and the Delegation of Prague in Brussels, the event attracted 60 guests.

Two representatives of ELI ERIC, Director General Allen Weeks and Scientific Director of ELI Beamlines Daniele Margarone, participated in the discussion. The debate was moderated by Táňa Hálová Perglová from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.

ELI ERIC is a unique and most advanced laser research infrastructure, headquartered in Dolní Břežany, operating the world’s most powerful laser. The consortium also includes laser facilities in Hungary (ELI ALPS) and Romania (ELI NP).

The discussion introduced the advanced technologies that ELI ERIC applies across various sectors using lasers. Topics included particle acceleration via lasers, unique imaging methods, and fusion energy research, offering compact and cost-effective alternatives to traditional accelerators with applications in research, medicine, and industry.

In the second part of the debate, the speakers presented the opportunities provided by the infrastructure's open calls for international scientists and their research, as well as insights into the operation and history of the infrastructure's establishment.

Participants also had the unique opportunity to experience virtual reality, which allowed them to take a virtual tour of the ELI scientific facilities in Dolní Břežany.