The move broadens ELI’s Member and Observer base and reinforces its position as a platform linking national research communities with world-class laser facilities.
Montenegro enters ELI with an established research ecosystem and participation in European programmes, including Horizon Europe, positioning it to contribute across scientific research, training and technology development.
“By joining ELI, Montenegro gains an institutional framework for participation in the work of this infrastructure, access to experiments, training and international projects, as well as the possibility of inclusion in working and advisory bodies,” the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation said in a statement.
The decision builds on existing collaboration between ELI and the University of Montenegro, which has included joint research, training programmes and experimental work at ELI’s facilities. That cooperation has developed into a sustained research pipeline, with multiple proposals accepted through ELI’s merit-based user access programme and resulting scientific publications. These activities have resulted in more than 36 weeks of experimental work at ELI’s facilities and 19 scientific publications.
Montenegrin students and early-career researchers have also participated in ELI training programmes and summer schools, contributing to experiments and publications while strengthening national expertise in high-energy physics and related disciplines.
“Montenegro’s scientists have already made a significant impact at ELI,” said ELI Director General Allen Weeks. “Becoming an Observer in ELI provides a platform for research and training and a network that supports their work.”
Future cooperation will expand into strategic areas aligned with ELI’s scientific agenda, including laser- driven radiobiology, Flash-effect based radiotherapy, inertial confinement fusion and radiation-hard technologies for medical and space applications. Participation in European initiatives such as EU Cost action PROBONO and EU research project "EuPRAXIA" is expected to further support these efforts.
As an Observer, Montenegro will be represented at ELI’s General Assembly by Prof. Gordana Lastovicka-Medin of the University of Montenegro, and Ms. Andjela Radulović from the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and contribute to the research organisation’s governance and strategic direction.