Sofradir elected to Photonics21 board of stakeholders

Sofradir of Palaiseau near Paris, France, which develops and manufactures infrared (IR) detectors for military, space, scientific and industrial applications, has been elected to the board of stakeholders (BoS) at Photonics21, the European Technology Platform (ETP) representing the European photonics community. The BoS is the main decision-making body of the platform. Sofradir’s appointment is effective as of 19 November.

Photonics21 aims to establish Europe as a leader in the development and deployment of photonics technologies in applications fields such as ICT, lighting, industrial manufacturing, life science and safety as well as in education and training. The ETP Photonics21 coordinates photonics research and innovation priorities and provides input to the European research framework program Horizon 2020.

As board member, Sofradir will support Photonics21 BoS’ role in defining and prioritizing the photonics research and innovation roadmaps to be proposed to the European Commission for funding. It will raise awareness of infrared and thermal imaging within the European photonics sector as well as their potential for application in a cross section of industries.

Sofradir’s representative Patrick Abraham (private and public partnership manager at Sofradir) was one of 39 candidates elected. He has almost 30 years’ experience in a diverse range of photonics applications from fiber-optics communication to infrared imaging and in forging strong relationships within the photonics R&D community in Europe. He has experience with the H2020 (Horizon 2020) and ECSEL (Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership) collaborative projects and Private and Public Partnership (PPP) development. Skills include promoting and managing innovation as well as having a clear understanding of academic and industrial needs.

“Photonics is a key enabling technology across a wide range of industries. It is therefore essential that European players in the private and public sectors actively coordinate efforts on making the European photonics sector strong,” says Sofradir’s chief strategy officer David-Billon Lanfrey. “Through this it will be capable of harnessing these innovations to bring viable solutions for addressing societal challenges, such as climate change, disease detection and efficient food production in Europe and beyond.”

Abraham will act as an ambassador for infrared and thermal imaging by raising awareness of this technology within the European photonics community. Stakeholder board members are appointed for four years. Sofradir remains within Work Group 5 for Security, Metrology and Sensors, where it has been a member since 2014.

Tags: Sofradir IR detectors

Visit: www.sofradir.com

Visit: www.photonics21.org/about-us/structure/workgroups/