AiPT is one of the world’s leading photonics research centres, known for its scientific achievements ranging from medical lasers and bio-sensing for healthcare to high-speed optical communications technology that underpins the internet and the digital economy.
We coordinate dozens of national and international research and industrial projects across various areas of science and engineering:
AiPT combines world-class research with cohort-based postgraduate education, translating scientific breakthroughs from the laboratory into real-world impacts. Our network includes over 100 industrial collaborators, from SMEs to major corporations like BT, Airbus, IBM, Infinera, Thales, BAE Systems, Nokia Bell Labs and many others. We have a vibrant team of researchers guided by world-renowned academics with extensive industry expertise.
Our activities extend beyond the laboratory through various outreach efforts, ensuring our research impact is reflected in public awareness and policy making. With collaborations spanning more than 80 major photonics centres worldwide, AiPT has earned international acclaim for research that brings tangible benefits to science, the economy, and society.
The Council for Science and Technology (CST) has issued an important intervention on the opportunities for UK growth and global leadership stemming from photonic technologies – spotlighting Aston University expertise.
The CST, which provides independent advice to the Prime Minister on science and technology policy, has written to Sir Keir Starmer setting out that critical sectors within the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy depend on photonics, including AI, quantum, defence, clean energy, and healthcare.
