Aiming to develop a globally unique laser system and its associated applications, the University of Szeged and the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics have joined forces through a newly established memorandum of understanding. The document was officially signed on May 28, 2025, by Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of the University of Szeged, and Prof. Yuxin Leng, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics.
A delegation from the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics visited the Institute of Physics at the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Science and Informatics during a formal exchange visit. As part of the program, the delegates were also welcomed at the University’s Main Building, where Prof. Dr. Márta Széll, Vice-Rector for Strategic Planning, gave a presentation showcasing the University’s research profile and the work of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation.
The visit also featured presentations by leading researchers from both institutions. Prof. Yuxin Leng, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, gave a presentation on the institute’s scientific achievements and service portfolio. His talk was followed by a lecture from Prof. Dr. Károly Osvay, who outlined the University of Szeged’s transmutation research project.
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| The University of Szeged and the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics have signed a memorandum of understanding. Photo Gallery by Anna Bobkó |
At the meeting preceding the signing of the memorandum of understanding, it was noted that the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (SIOM) is the oldest optical and laser research institute within the Chinese Academy of Sciences, having marked its 60th anniversary last year. Building on this legacy, SIOM’s primary focus lies in the research and development of high-intensity pulsed laser systems and their applications. Among its key research objectives is the creation of the world’s first 100-petawatt peak power laser system. Backed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the project is already in progress, with phased implementation expected to span nearly a decade.
According to Prof. Dr. Károly Osvay, the University of Szeged has accumulated substantial expertise in both laser development and the use of lasers for particle acceleration and neutron generation over several decades. The foundation for this knowledge was laid within the SZTE National Laser Transmutation Laboratory – operating under the Photonics and Laser Physics Competence Centre of the Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence – as well as within the Institute of Physics. Today, these capabilities are being applied at the ELI-ALPS laser research facility in Szeged. As part of the ongoing educational and research collaboration, the University of Szeged and SIOM are planning joint experiments that could lead to the development of a globally unique laser system and its associated applications.
Source: Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation
