Lightfab Thematic semester 2027

Light-driven fabrication:
additive technologies enabled by and for photonics
LIGHTFAB is a project funded by the Complex Systems Academy of Excellence Opens in a new tab at the Université Côte d'Azur Opens in a new tab in the framework of the IdEx program. It seeks to unite ongoing research initiatives within UniCA that intersect additive manufacturing, materials science, chemistry, and photonics, while integrating the expertise of external collaborators from France and abroad. By fostering interdisciplinary exchange through internships, scientific visits, and dedicated events, the initiative aims to strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration and visibility.
Interdisciplinary collaborations
Bring together expert scientists, young researchers, and engineers from academia and industry who work at the forefront of materials science, additive manufacturing and photonics.
Dual approach
Advanced photonics drives fabrication, and additive manufacturing, in turn, accelerates the evolution of photonics itself.
Various topics
Advanced light shaping for nanoscale structuring in polymers to mesoscale sintering of metals and localized melting of glass. More info.
Actions
The initiative will be hold in the Nice area during the first semester 2027, from mid-January to mid-July.
Training internships
Five Master’s-level internships of five to six months each. Every project will be jointly supervised across two disciplines or institutions, and, where possible, involve an industrial partner.
More info.
Call for proposals now open
Visiting researchers
Five awards to support short term visits from established researchers. PhD and postdocs can also benefit from LIGHTFAB support to apply to dedicated calls.
More info.
The call for proposals will open soon (mid-September).
Scientific events
A summer school and a conference will be organized.
More info.
Location and dates will be announced soon.
Board composition
The initiative is designed to be inclusive and welcomes participation from any colleagues from academics and industry who want to get involved and contribute. Feel free to contact us if you want to join!
Get in touch!Christophe Bailet // OCA
Optomechanics for astronomical instrumentation

Matthieu Bellec // INPHYNI
Laser structuring and AM of glasses
Mahmoud Elsawy // INRIA
Numerical simulation of photonic systems and AM
Karim Inal // CEMEF
Mesocale AM sintering of metals
Samira Khadir // CRHEA
Nanofabrication of photonic metasurfaces
Arnaud Zenerino // IMREDD
Additive manufacturing
FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the calls for proposals, including important information about eligibility, submission procedures, deadlines, and the selection process. If something is not clear and if you have any further question, feel free to contact us!
Contact us!When is the submission deadline?
All proposals must be submitted by October. Late submissions may not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit early.
Where should proposals be submitted?
Proposals should be submitted through email. Detailed submission instructions can be found in the call for proposals documentation.
Who is eligible to apply?
The call for proposals is open to blabla. Applicants should review the eligibility criteria carefully before preparing their submission.
When will applicants be notified of the results?
Applicants will be informed of the selection results by 2027. Notifications will be sent via email to the contact information provided in the proposal.