About Us

FELS OF EUROPE is an initiative of the ESFRI projects EuroFEL and European XFEL. It is a collaboration of all free electron laser (FEL) facilities in Europe, with the goal to meet technological and scientific challenges of these novel and rapidly developing technologies, and to provide a worldwide unique, pan-European research infrastructure that enables exploiting the full scientific potential of these unique accelerator based short-pulse light sources. The collaboration includes 14 facilities in 10 countries.

All members are either operating or developing free electron laser (FEL) facilities and/or advanced short-pulse light sources (SPS), based on accelerator technologies. Due to their unique properties, these light sources provide a step change in the ability to address research needs across the disciplines of physics, chemistry, materials, and life sciences. FELs will improve our understanding of processes on a molecular level, leading to development of new materials and methods for tomorrow’s technological advancement, clean environment, sustainable energy, and health care.

FELS OF EUROPE will facilitate the enhancement and exploitation of the full scientific potential of FELs in an efficient way by promoting joint technical development and collaborating closely with users and related communities. It will promote efficient open access to the research infrastructure and optimal conditions for users.

 

Core Activities


Promote development construction, and operation of complementary, world-class FEL or short pulse facilities for multidisciplinary research with open access

  • promote the development and construction of state-of-the-art FEL and SPS facilities requested by a multidisciplinary user community
  • ensure state-of-the-art operation of all FEL and SPS facilities by regular exchange of experience and best practice

Ensure efficient interaction with and support of users

  • offer a common information and guidance portal for the FEL user community
  • coordinate and harmonise application and information on proposals at participating infrastructures
  • provide a platform for joint coaching and training of new users
  • develop a common user strategy and outreach to users

Coordinate technical developments

  • develop a strategy and coordinate future technical developments
  • initiate and support expert groups, centres of excellence, and exchange of staff
  • support coordinated use of test facilities
  • support collaboration with neighbouring communities and industry

Coordinate training and education

  • promote and coordinate training of technical and supporting staff
  • promote and coordinate training of students and early career staff through summer schools
  • support attraction and exchange of staff

Ensure efficient communication, both internal and external

  • communicate with funding agencies, policy makers, media, and the general public on regional, national and EU level
  • communicate with industry
  • communicate with related technical and scientific communities

Represent European FEL science and technology

  • provide scientific and technical expertise and expert opinions
  • initiate and respond to policy initiatives