Aston University in Birmingham, 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. The focus will be on laser technologies for medical sensing devices, communications and more. 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 partnership’s main goals will be to develop joint research funding applications not only for projects in the UK, Russia and the European Union, but also worldwide; to publish joint experimental and theoretical photonics research in international and high-impact journals; to conduct doctoral-student exchanges and develop undergraduate and postgraduate research opportunities; to hold joint scientific seminars and workshops; and to conduct public engagement and outreach activities. The partners also will discuss the possible development of double or joint research master’s and doctorate degrees.