Laser research at the Czech Academy of Sciences, including the LasApp project, was presented by Pavel Peterka from ÚFE (fiber lasers), Martin Smrž from the HiLASE center (thin-disk lasers), and Josef Lazar from the Institute of Scientific Instruments (industrial applications of lasers) at the seventh Czech-Taiwanese Technology Days, which took place on 20–21 October 2025 in Prague, bringing together representatives of the government, academia and industry of both countries. The discussions focused on the latest trends in laser technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The event was jointly organised by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR), the Czech Academy of Sciences and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).
On behalf of the Czech side and the host of the event, the participants were welcomed by the Chairman of the TAČR, Prof. Petr Konvalinka, who stressed the importance of international cooperation for the development of innovations and wished the participants an inspiring meeting and the establishment of successful collaborations. The participants were also addressed by Dr. Jiří Plešek, Member of the Academic Council of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and Prof. Jiří Drahoš, the 1st Vice-President of the Senate. On behalf of the Taiwanese side, the guests were greeted by the Deputy Minister of NSTC Dr. Bing-Yu Chen, who recalled that the Technology Days have been held alternately in the Czech Republic and Taiwan since 2007 and have become an important platform for the development of bilateral relations in science and research. The Deputy subsequently expressed the hope that Taiwan and the Czech Republic will continue to deepen their partnership in science and technology and create mutually beneficial results.
The main topics were lasers, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Pavel Peterka from the Fiber Lasers and Nonlinear Optics team of the Institute of Photonics and Electronics (ÚFE) of the CAS presented the research on fiber lasers at our institute, now especially within the large-consortium project LasApp in the lecture: “Active fibers for high-power fiber lasers: progress and technology infrastructure at the Czech Academy of Sciences”. Martin Smrž from the HiLASE center spoke about advances in thin-disk lasers, and Josef Lazar from the Institute of Scientific Instruments presented examples of industrial applications of lasers, such as a new type of hybrid Laser-MIG welding called WoGaWe (Wobble-Gap-Welding).
The seventh Czech-Taiwanese Technology Days once again confirmed that scientific cooperation between the two countries is vibrant and promising.
Source: https://tacr.gov.cz/
