Medical Applications of High-Power Lasers - Dr. LASER official launch

2025-03-25

On March 21, 2025, took place the official launch of the project "Medical Applications of High-Power Lasers - Dr. LASER"!

This innovative project, coordinated by the National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering "Horia Hulubei" (IFIN-HH) through its ELI RO - Nuclear Physics division, aims to explore new methods with the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment using advanced technologies based on high-power, ultra-short pulse lasers from the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP).

Project Objectives:

  • Developing groundbreaking carbon ion radiotherapy methods for treating triple-negative cancer.
  • Creating advanced imaging techniques for early tumor detection.
  • Generating radioisotopes for personalized monitoring of oncological treatments.
  • Transferring results to the medical community and medical equipment industry.
The launch conference was attended by key figures, including Marcel-Ioan Bolos, Minister of Investments and European Projects, Mr. Andrei Alexandru, President of the National Authority for Research, Carmen Moraru, State Secretary at the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, Marin Tole, State Secretary at the Ministry of Development, Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, Viorel Jinga, Rector of "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, representatives from the French, Japanese, and U.S. embassies in Romania, as well as directors of national research institutes and project partners.

Key Statements:
  • Minister Marcel-Ioan Bolos emphasized the project's potential to drive innovation for societal benefit.
  • President Andrei Alexandru highlighted Romania's alignment with global efforts to ensure access to high-quality medical services.
  • State Secretary Marin Tole stressed the importance of providing less painful treatments with faster recovery times for Romanian patients.
  • Claudia Stefanescu, Director General of the Directorate-General for Research at the Ministry of Education and Research, praised the project as a first in Romania's medical system, bringing advanced laser technologies comparable to those in European centers of excellence.

The involvement of international diplomats underscores cross-border collaborations in research and technology. The project's multidimensional importance spans medical research, education, and international cooperation.

Funding and Partnerships: The project is co-financed by European funds under the Health Program 2021-2027. Partners include prestigious institutions such as "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Regional Oncology Institute Iasi, Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta" Cluj-Napoca, POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, and SMEs like Accent Pro 2000 Srl and IP Automatic Design Srl. With a total value exceeding 173 million lei, this initiative marks a significant step toward personalized medicine and advanced cancer-fighting technologies.