The ENSEMBLE3 project on new photonic materials has been launched

On January 13, 2019, the ceremonial inauguration of the ENSEMBLE3 project - Center of excellence for nanophotonics, advanced materials and novel crystal growth-based technologies was held.

A project consortium led by prof. Dorota A. Pawlak from the Institute of Electronic Materials Technology and the University of Warsaw, Poland, obtained funding of 30 million euros for the creation of the Center of Excellence, which will use Poland's historically strong achievements in the field of crystal growth in combination with the know-how and expertise of the partners from nanoGUNE, the Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) to create the material basis for future photonics.

The team of prof. Pawlak operating both in Łukasiewicz-ITME and the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Warsaw combines basic research with implementation research as well as with the sale of his products. The strength of the team is to connect young dynamic people with enthusiasm and commitment with vast knowledge and know-how in the field of crystal growth of the Łukasiewicz-ITME team.

The multidisciplinary activity of the ENSEMBLE3 Centre of Excellence, which will be created during the project, will combine various fields including material science, crystal growth, nanophotonics, metamaterials and nanoplasmonics with various applications.

NanoGUNE brings its expertise especially in the field of nanooptics, as well as expertise in setting up excellent research centres, and commercialization of research results. Prof. Jose M. Pitarke, director of nanoGUNE, and prof. Rainer Hillenbrand, Leader of Nanooptics group at nanoGUNE represent the Basque center in the consortium.

The project is co-financed by the European Commission under Teaming for Excellence Horizon 2020, the program of the International Research Agendas of the Foundation for Polish Science, by structural funds and by the funds of the Polish Ministry of Science and Education.

As the European Commission representative told during the project inauguration – receiving the Teaming of Excellence project is a seal of excellence for all the consortium partners. The Teaming tool was specifically created to invest in European research and innovation potential to support the creation of new (or modernization of existing) centers of excellence in Member States and associated countries with low levels of research and innovation based on partnerships with leading institutions internationally.

The ceremonial inauguration of the project was honored by the presence of distinguished guests including representatives of the embassies of Germany, Spain and Italy, representatives of the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Science and Education of Poland, the Foundation for Polish Science, the Polish National Center for Research and Development, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, and the Polish Industrial Development Agency. As part of the inauguration, we could hear lectures on photonics from both education, science, applications and business, as well as the importance of photonics in the developing world.

The ceremonial inauguration of the project was honored by the presence of distinguished guests including representatives of the embassies of Germany, Spain and Italy, representatives of the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Science and Education of Poland, the Foundation for Polish Science, the Polish National Center for Research and Development, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, and the Polish Industrial Development Agency. As part of the inauguration, we could hear lectures on photonics from both education, science, applications and business, as well as the importance of photonics in the developing world.