The European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) and the Russian Laser Association have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance mutually advantageous activities in the field of photonics. Ivan Kovsh (left), president of the Russian Laser Association, and Carlos Lee, director general of EPIC. Courtesy of EPIC. The partnership will encourage direct contact and cooperation between the consortiums and its members, the exchange of information and contacts, connection between consortium members and other relevant government representatives, public funding bodies and the hosting of commercial trade missions and business events. “The members of our association have expressed high interest in engaging with the members of EPIC, therefore we are pleased to sign the collaboration agreement,” said Ivan Kovsh, president of the Russian Laser Association. “EPIC’s model of connecting the European photonics community worldwide is through collaboration and partnerships,” said Carlos Lee, director general of EPIC. “There is so much that can be done to further promote photonics technologies, no single organization can properly do this single-handedly. It’s a privilege to work with the Russian Laser Association.” EPIC’s 359 members across more than 30 countries are involved in the photonics fields of lighting, photovoltaics, photonic integrated circuits, optical components, lasers, sensors, imaging, displays, optic fibers and other related technologies. The Russian Laser Association is an international scientific-technical organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and practical use of laser-based technologies in Russia.