Registration is now open for 5th annual meeting of the European Technology Platform Photonics21, which will take place Feb. 23-24, 2011 at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Brussels, Belgium. With a focus theme of “The way forward – towards Framework Program 8,” the meeting agenda will place emphasis on future research and innovation funding concepts, as well as the European photonics strategy as a key enabling technology to meet the societal challenges in Europe. Challenges to be addressed include an aging society, sustainability and energy efficiency or security. The Photonics21 Annual Meeting offers more than 1600 members from industry, research and politics a forum for discussion and networking opportunities. The General Assembly on Feb. 24 will open with a keynote speech from Neelie Kroes, vice president of the European Commission. Kroes will set the stage on what to expect for the upcoming “European Framework Program 8,” as well as the main objectives for European research and innovation programs. In addition, attendees will be informed about the platform’s activities in 2010, the “Key Enabling Technologies Initiative,” as well as activities of the Photonics21 political Mirror Group. In-depth information on current and upcoming programs will be provided by Thierry van der Pyl, the European Commission’s director. Attendees can choose to attend one of seven work groups: Information & Communication; Industrial Production & Quality; Life Science and Health; Lighting, Displays and Large Area Electronics; Security, Metrology and Sensors; Design and Manufacturing of Components and Systems; Photonics Education & Training and Research Infrastructure. Set up in December 2005, Photonics21 is an industry driven platform to push Europe-wide collaboration between industry, science and politics and align their efforts in all areas of photonics. There are more than 1600 representatives of industry and science from 49 European countries. For more information, visit: www.photonics21.org