10 Apr 2026

Swiss–ELI Initiatives Boost Scientific Excellence and Innovation

The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) is reinforcing its strategic partnership with Switzerland through a series of coordinated initiatives across its facilities, highlighting a shared commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and innovation. The ceremonial opening of the SwissELITE Project at ELI Beamlines marked a key milestone in this collaboration, bringing together institutional representatives, funding bodies, and research partners from both countries.

SwissELITE, implemented at ELI Beamlines in the Czech Republic, focuses on enhancing experimental capabilities and developing advanced technologies in areas such as photon science, detector systems, and laser-based diagnostics. By combining Czech and Swiss expertise, the project is expected to strengthen the performance and scientific competitiveness of the facility while expanding opportunities for international users.

At the same time, ELI ALPS in Hungary is contributing to this broader cooperation through the Swiss–Hungarian Cooperation Programme (SM02-RES PC1). This initiative aims to deepen scientific ties between Swiss and Hungarian researchers, support joint R&D projects, and attract Swiss scientists to conduct research at ELI ALPS, particularly in the field of ultrafast laser science.

Together, these programmes are expected to deliver tangible outcomes, including joint scientific publications, upgraded research infrastructure incorporating Swiss know-how, and the training of highly skilled researchers. They also contribute to integrating ELI more deeply into international scientific networks and enhancing its long-term sustainability as a world-class research infrastructure.

The growing engagement was further reflected at the 2025 ELI User Meeting, where a dedicated session invited Swiss researchers to explore new collaboration opportunities supported by targeted funding schemes across all ELI facilities. This coordinated approach demonstrates how Swiss-supported initiatives are fostering long-term partnerships and enabling high-impact research across borders.

By advancing technology development, strengthening institutional links, and supporting researcher mobility, Swiss–ELI cooperation plays a key role in addressing scientific and societal challenges, while reinforcing Europe’s position at the forefront of laser-driven research.