Newly Appointed ELI ERIC ISTAC Cohort Gathers Led by Incoming Chair Falcone and Vice-chair Tschentscher

The ISTAC, composed of 15 experts, serves as an independent advisory body to the ELI ERIC General Assembly (GA) and Management. The committee provides strategic guidance on maintaining and operating the ELI Facilities as a state-of-the-art research infrastructure while ensuring the highest standards of excellence and innovation in laser science.

By offering their impartial advice, the ISTAC plays a critical role in advancing ELI ERIC’s scientific objectives, such as the Joint User Programme. Members of the ISTAC represent a variety of recognised experts from Europe and the United States from scientific and technical fields relevant to ELI and are elected for three-year terms. ELI ERIC is grateful to the previous group of ISTAC Members, and in particular to John Collier (Central Laser Facility) for acting as Chair up until now.

The meeting in Szeged covered a comprehensive agenda, from evaluating current research progress to advising on strategic objectives for ELI ERIC’s future. The committee assessed the ongoing major ELI projects and initiatives, reviewed proposed scientific and technical advancements as well as the latest results of the 5^th User Call. The bi-annual meetings offer the opportunity for the ISTAC members to visit the ELI ERIC Facilities and interact with the scientific and technical staff.

“ELI's unique suite of cutting-edge instruments provides unparalleled opportunities for scientific discovery,” says Roger Falcone. “I’m delighted to serve as the ELI ERIC ISTAC Chair and help guide the organisation towards continued excellence while contributing to the progress in laser science and high-intensity research.”


Thomas Tschentscher, Scientific Director and Member of the

Thomas Tschentscher, Vice-chair of ISTAC

Management Board at the European XFEL was elected as ISTAC Vice-chair. Tschentscher is an expert in ultrafast x-ray science and his knowledge of developing free-electron laser (FEL) sources and instrumentation and their scientific application will support ELI to explore new frontiers in laser-driven research.

“We’re pleased to welcome the new members of the ISTAC and introduce them to the ongoing developments at ELI ERIC,” said Andrew Harrison, ELI ERIC Director of Science. “Their combined expertise will benefit ELI and lead us through pivotal advancements, ensuring that our Facilities remain at the forefront of scientific discovery and provide meaningful contributions to the global scientific community.”