The Lasers4NetZero consortium successfully held its 4th Networking Event (NWE4) on 1–2 October 2025 at Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany. This two-day program brought together academic members of the network, including doctoral candidates and supervisors from all partner universities, along with industry representatives Dr. Jan Langebach (Jenoptik Automatisierungstechnik GmbH) and Dr. Federico Zampolini (Ferrari).
The event featured a presentation by Dr. Alexander Rack from ESRF - The European Synchrotron on high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging in additive manufacturing and training sessions on "Laser material processing powered by machine learning and high-fidelity modelling" delivered by Prof. Pasquale Franciosa and Prof. Alexander Kaplan. Participants also visited Robert Bosch Fahrzeuglektrik Eisenach GmbH for an enriching exchange focused on laser material processing in EV battery production, reinforcing collaboration between academia and industry.
The second day included a lab tour at TU Ilmenau's Production Technology Group, a training session on spin-off creation by Prof. Alessandro Ascari, and presentations from our MSCA Doctoral Candidates. The event concluded with an online talk from Dr. Federico Zampolini (Ferrari) on advanced battery technology and e-mobility.
We warmly thank Prof. Jean Pierre Bergmann and the Production Technology Group at TU Ilmenau for their excellent organization and hospitality, as well as all consortium members and contributors for their commitment and active participation in NWE4. Through shared expertise and collaboration, Lasers4netZero continues to advance research and training in laser-based manufacturing for a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
The Lasers4NetZero consortium successfully held its 3rd Networking Event (NWE3) on 24–25 March 2025 at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Sweden. This two-day program brought together academic members of the network, including doctoral candidates and supervisors from all partner universities, along with industry representative Dr. Markus Kogel-Hollacher (Precitec GmbH & Co. KG).
The event featured presentations by Dr. Markus Kogel-Hollacher on laser-beam manipulation and sensor technology and Prof. Jean Pierre Bergmann on the challenges of welding aluminium to copper. Participants also presented their research progress, showcasing innovative laser-based solutions for sustainability. Training sessions delivered by Prof. Alexander Kaplan and Prof. Farid Akhtar focused on research methodology and presentation skills, followed by a guided tour of LTU's laser and materials-science laboratories, where attendees gained hands-on experience with advanced experimental setups.
Participants additionally visited the HYBRIT hydrogen-based pilot steel plant to explore innovations in fossil-free steel production and hydrogen storage, highlighting advancements in sustainable industrial development.
We warmly thank Luleå University of Technology for the excellent organization and hospitality, as well as all consortium members and contributors for their commitment and active participation in NWE3. Through continued collaboration and shared expertise, Lasers4NetZero is driving innovation and high-level training in laser-based manufacturing to support a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
The Lasers4NetZero consortium successfully held its 2nd Networking Event (NWE2) on 2–4 December 2024 in Bertinoro, Italy, organized by the University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna). This three-day program brought together academic members of the network, including doctoral candidates and supervisors from all partner universities, along with representatives from several industrial partners such as Ferrari, CELLIMPACT, PowerPhotonic, Precitec – Laser Material Processing, Coherent Corp., Jenoptik, and Optoprim Italia.
The event opened with presentations from all academic institutions and industrial partners, providing an overview of their research activities and contributions to the Lasers4NetZero network. A dedicated training session series was delivered by industry experts, including technical seminars by Ferrari, CELLIMPACT, and PowerPhotonic, highlighting cutting-edge advances in laser manufacturing technologies and their role in achieving sustainability targets.
The second day focused on the doctoral candidates' research presentations, where all twelve MSCA researchers outlined their project progress and career-development plans. During the event, Carolina Magrini and Majd Mustafa were elected to the Supervisory Board to represent the twelve doctoral researchers, in accordance with the project's governance framework.
On the final day, participants visited the Ferrari Factory and Museum in Maranello, gaining insights into advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, and innovation in automotive production.
We warmly thank the University of Bologna for hosting NWE2 and providing an engaging environment that encouraged learning, exchange, and collaboration. Through these collective efforts, Lasers4NetZero continues to strengthen partnerships and advance sustainable laser-based manufacturing towards Europe's net-zero ambitions.
