Issue 4 of the Laserlab Newsletter LASERLAB-EUROPE is a Consortium of 17 laser infrastructures from 9 European countries forming an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative, together with one infrastructure specialising in Internet and database technologies. In view of the increasing importance of lasers and their applications in all areas of sciences, life sciences and technologies the main objectives are:

To combine most of the largest European national laboratories in laser-based inter-disciplinary research, complemented by laboratories with special expertise and equipment;

To strengthen the European leading role in laser research and to improve the quality of the participating Infrastructures through Joint Research Activities (JRA) aiming at the ultimate control of intense, short-pulse laser light and overcoming technological barriers towards high power and high intensity.

To engage in the Transnational Access Programme in a co-ordinated fashion, providing nearly 4000 days of access for European researchers.

In addition, the following effects on structuring and sustainability are expected:

Sharpening the profile of the individual participants and of the Consortium;

Enhancing the complementarity of the European laser infrastructures;

Filling gaps in the state-of-the-art instrumentation at the European level;

Improving laser-based research at the European level;

Laying the foundation for a lasting and sustainable networking activity among the European Laser Research Infrastructures.