The visit recognised ELI’s role as a cornerstone of European competitiveness, where cutting-edge laser science and technological innovation are driving progress across disciplines.
The Extreme Light Infrastructure, a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) is a flagship for high-power laser research. As an international research infrastructure located in Central Europe, ELI represents a major strategic investment in Europe’s scientific and technological competitiveness.
“ELI is a symbol of Hungary’s scientific excellence,” said President Sulyok. “It shows that Hungary not only hosts world-class research but actively contributes to the scientific and technological progress that strengthens Europe’s global position.”
ELI’s mission is to provide open access to researchers worldwide for advanced experiments in physical, chemical, materials and medical sciences. The facility in Szeged focuses on the use of the shortest light pulses - known as attosecond pulses lasting one-billionth of a billionth of a second - to study the movement of electrons in atoms, molecules, and materials. This capability opens entirely new possibilities for understanding the building blocks of matter and the fundamental mechanisms behind technology, materials, and life itself.
This has a wide range of applications, including the development of new materials such as more efficient solar panels. It is also leading to advanced radiation-based cancer treatments which could offer more targeted, high-precision cancer care, and many other fields.
“Through ELI, Europe is advancing its leadership in laser science and high-technology innovation,” said Allen Weeks, Director General of ELI. “The expertise of our scientists are driving impact far beyond our laboratories.”
A key focus of ELI is to act as a training ground for those scientists, engineers, and technical professionals, offering hands-on experience with state-of-the art laser systems. That strengthens the foundations Europe’s broader research ecosystem and knowledge-driven economy.
“ELI offers a unique environment for Hungarian and international researchers to work together on discoveries that serve both science and society,” says Gábor Szabó, Managing Director of the ELI ALPS Facility. “Our labs not only enable world-leading experiments but also contribute to building skills, expertise, and collaboration across generations.”
Through ELI’s open access leading researchers are able to foster international partnerships across Europe and beyond. As part of ELI ERIC, the facility in Szeged operates in close synergy with its counterpart in the Czech Republic. Together they form the most advanced high-power laser infrastructure in the world.
The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC (ELI) is a world-leading European research infrastructure that operates an unparalleled suite of the most advanced and diverse high-power, ultra-fast, and high-repetition-rate laser systems. ELI operates as a single multi-site organisation with complementary facilities specialised in different fields of research with extreme light: ELI ALPS in Hungary, specialising in attosecond light pulses and ELI Beamlines in the Czech Republic, focused on high-energy beams. ELI’s mission is to facilitate access to the international scientific user community through its excellence-based User Programme.