The Innovation Award Laser Technology is a European research and technology prize provided with 10.000 Euro prize money and awarded at 2-yearly intervals jointly by the associations Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik e.V. and the European Laser Institute ELI in recognition of outstanding innovative work in the field of laser technology. The call for proposals is open. Closing date for applications is January 17, 2014. The official presentation of the award will take place in Aachen´s town hall on May 7, 2014 at the International Laser Technology Congress AKL´14.
Target Group
The Innovation Award addresses laser manufacturers, laser users and researchers, who have successfully conceived and implemented an innovative idea relating to laser technology, following the project through from application oriented research to ultimate industrial application. The closed scientific and technological projects in question must center on the use of laser light in materials processing and the methods of producing such light, and must furthermore be in their practical implementation of demonstrable commercial value to industry.
Eligible applicants
The award can be conferred on an individual researcher or on an entire project group. Eligible are only applicants, working in industry or at universities or independent research centers established in Europe. The range of possible fields extends from the development of new laser beam sources and systems for use in laser materials processing to the qualification of innovative laser manufacturing processes for use in an industrial production environment.
Prize money and fellowship title
The three best applicants will be awarded with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. The prize winner will receive furthermore the sum of 10,000 euros, and be awarded the title of »AKL fellow« and »ELI fellow«.
Jury and selection procedure
A shortlist of the best candidates will be compiled by an international jury consisting of 10 members recruited from industry and the research community. The prize winner as well as the second and third placed are selected on the basis of the published assessment criteria. Any legal recourse is explicitly barred.
Awarding Institutions:
Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik AKL e.V.
Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik AKL e.V. is a registered non-profit association formed in 1990 by a group of companies and private individuals aiming to pool their experience and conduct joint public relations activities in order to spread the use of laser technology in industry and promote the sharing of scientific ideas. In 2013, around 120 laser experts and enthusiasts are signed up as active members of the AKL network. The association’s activities include disseminating information on innovations in laser technology, organizing conferences and seminars, compiling educational material dealing with laser technology, stimulating the interest of future young scientists, and providing advice to industry and research scientists on questions relating to laser technology.
European Laser Institute ELI e.V.
Optical technology is taking an increasing hold on all domains of industry and science. The European Laser Institute (ELI) has created an efficient platform bringing together the necessary competence and knowledge on optical technologies. By promoting technology transfer within Europe, ELI aims to enhance the international lead of European industry and research in the field of laser technology and photonics. By working in close collaboration with existing national and international organizations, the ELI network of industrial and academic research institutions helps to influence R&D policy on a national and European level.
Contact persons for applicants and journalists:
Axel Bauer
General Secretary of Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik e.V.
Phone: +49 241 8906-194
Fax: +49 241 8906-121,
axel.bauer(at)akl-ev.de
Dr. Stefan Kaierle
European Laser Institute
Phone: +49 511 2788-370
Fax: +49 511 2788-100
contact(at)europeanlaserinstitute.org
