Aston University in England and Novosibirsk State University (NSU) in Russia are partnering to establish a joint research center, the Aston-NSU International Centre for Photonics in Novosibirsk. Both Aston and NSU conduct research in the fields of optical communications, fiber optics, lasers and nonlinear photonics. Aston has more than 70 active researchers and is one of the largest photonics research groups in the UK, while NSU is known for integrating education and science and involving students early on in research. “The center will operate as a distributed laboratory with locations in the UK and Russia,” said Aston professor Sergei Turitsyn, a member of the university’s photonics research team. “It is an outstanding link up which will advance our capabilities in laser technologies with positive impact on our research in long distance communications, medical sensing devices and fiber-laser science, among others.” “Photonics is undoubtedly a fast-growing field of research and innovation,” said Dr. Sergei Kobtsev of NSU. “Both the UK and Russia have a strong photonics manufacturing industry base and a number of high-tech companies in the photonics field. Industry needs new knowledge-intensive photonics products, and I anticipate that our center will play a key role in linking academic knowledge with practical technological and industrial applications.” The partnership’s main goals will be to develop joint research funding applications for projects in the UK, Russia, European Union and worldwide; publish joint experimental and theoretical photonics research in international and high-impact journals; conduct Ph.D. student exchanges and develop undergraduate and postgraduate research opportunities; hold joint scientific seminars and workshops; and conduct public engagement and outreach activities. The partners will also discuss the possible development of double or joint research Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees. The partnership was presented Oct. 17 at the 11th Ministerial UK Russia Joint Committee on Science & Technology Cooperation 2013-2015 at the Royal Society in London, and signed by UK Minister Vince Cable and Russia’s Minister for Education and Science, Dmitry Livanov. For more information, visit: www.aston.ac.uk