Call for Laser and Photonics Science and Technology Projects

Call Details

Laser and photonics science has become one of the key pillars in the advancement of new technologies in the last two decades. These fields not only play a fundamental role in fundamental research, but have also had a significant impact on industrial and commercial applications. Furthermore, research and development in the field of lasers and photonics is important for achieving scientific breakthroughs and can lead to improving the quality of human life and creating sustainable solutions to global challenges.

The Center for the Development of the Knowledge-Based Economy of Artificial Intelligence, Lasers and Quantum, in cooperation with the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF), has announced the priority areas for proposals in laser and photonics, taking into account the importance of technologies related to lasers and photonics, as well as the active research areas in the country. In this call, the following criteria have been considered:

• Research areas with commercialization potential and priority in national industries

• Existing credible and reliable background in research and educational centers

• The possibility of progress in line with international standards

Priority areas

1. Development of spectroscopy techniques and applications

2. Development of medical and biological imaging techniques and applications

3. Development of biophotonic systems and sensors (wearable biosensors, neuroscience)

4. Design and manufacture of photonic and optical components (modulators, detectors, optical switches, lenses and mirrors, and magnetophotonics)

5. Development of machine learning and AI applications in photonics

6. Development of equipment used in optical communication (LiDAR and long-range communications)

7. Design, development and manufacturing of laser sources, especially ultra-stable lasers

Eligibility

Applicants must be full-time faculty member of a university or research institute approved by the Ministry of Science, Research ad Technology or the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

Expected Outputs

The expected output from the projects submitted by the applicants is the delivery of a functional and operational product that is at a maximum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5.

Projects for which the product output is defined based on a specific societal or industrial need and has a statement of need from the relevant institution as well as confirmation of operation in an industrial or operational environment are given priority in the selection of the call. In other words, the purpose of this call is to move from purely laboratory research to the development of technologies that can be utilized and used in industry and society.

Attachment

Proposal Form for Laser and Photonics Research Projects

Call Date

28 October – 28 November

Funding

In line with the above-mentioned goals, support will be available in the following formats for experts who are capable in fields related to the call:

Applicant must specify budgeting breakdown (various costs, including personnel, lab services, purchase of consumables and equipment, sample collection, travel, etc.) in the proposal.

If PhD students and postdoctoral researchers participate in the research team, their salaries must be added to the project budget in accordance with the INSF regulations, the amount of which is determined annually.

The maximum salary for main collaborators (faculty members) for interdisciplinary projects is set at 30% of the total project budget, and for single - discipline projects at 20% of the total project budget.

Registration and Submission

Applicants can register by visiting the INSF Research Management System and applying through the Applicants/Researchers section. If you do not have a personal profile in this system, first register and then log in to the system using your username (Email) and password. After logging in to the Submit New Project section, you can submit your project from the Laser and Photonics Science and Technologies tab.

Contact

After reviewing the call details and related guidelines on the INSF portal, researchers with any questions regarding the submission process, eligibility, or scientific content may send a support ticket through their profile to the “Community and Industry Relations Management Unit.”