The National Science Platform (NSP) FOTONIKA-LV of the University of Latvia was created in 2018 to be a centre of excellent research in the European Research Area and to be a strong and welcomed partner/coordinator in consortiums of EU Research and Innovation Framework programme projects. The research focus of NSP FOTONIKA-LV is on quantum sciences, space sciences and related technologies.
NSP FOTONIKA-LV of the University of Latvia includes research units – Quantum Optics Laboratory and Laboratory of Atomic Physics, Atmospheric Physics and Photochemistry of Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy and the Institute of Astronomy.
NSP FOTONIKA-LV is the successor to the Association FOTONIKA-LV that was founded in 2010 by three institutes of the University of Latvia – Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, Institute of Astronomy and Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics. The Association FOTONIKA-LV realised several FP7 projects, the largest being FP7- REGPOT-2011-1 project No. 285912 “Unlocking and Boosting Research Potential for Photonics in Latvia – Towards Effective Integration in the European Research Area” (2012 – 2015, 3.8 million EUR). Thanks to the REGPOT project the research capacity of FOTONIKA-LV was strengthened – the research infrastructure was updated, experienced researchers were recruited and repatriated (including J. Alnis, who established the Quantum Optics Laboratory), and collaboration with local and foreign partners, including industry, was realised and an international work environment was created.