ECRN-OWC researchers gathered in front of a science-themed mural
European Collaborative Research Network

Advancing optical wireless communications across Europe.

ECRN-OWC unites leading academics and laboratories across the UK, Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain, Italy and France to push the boundaries of optical wireless systems — from photonic devices to next-generation 6G testbeds.

7
Partner labs
6
European countries
17+
Active researchers
Our mission

A community shaping the future of optical wireless.

We operate through European initiatives such as the NEWFOCUS COST Action, jointly contributing to standards development, open testbeds, and the training of the next generation of researchers in optical and photonic wireless networks.

Learn about the network
6European countries
7Partner labs
17+Active researchers
4Flagship projects
The network in action

Training, workshops, and meetings across Europe

From summer schools to standards meetings — moments from recent ECRN-OWC events.

Lectures, workshops and panel sessions at ECRN-OWC events
Lectures & training schools
Conference sessions and informal meetups across the network
Conferences & meetings
Research

What we work on

From foundational photonic devices to integrated 6G optical-wireless systems and standards.

Optical communications

Free-space, fibre, and visible-light systems — modulation, coding, and link analysis up to system-level design.

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Wireless & mobile

Optical wireless, RF, and hybrid links — channel modelling, multi-user access, and integration with mobile networks.

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Photonic networks

Devices, switches, and routers powering high-capacity optical backbones and emerging access architectures.

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Projects

Flagship initiatives

European-funded research collaborations driving the network's agenda.

Active

VisIoN

Visible-light communications for the Internet of Things — a pan-European training network.

Project page
Active

OWIN6G

Optical wireless integration for 6G systems, bridging photonics and mobile networks.

Project page
Active

Focal

Foundational research on optical channels and adaptive links for next-generation deployments.

Project page

See all projects, including previous

Lecture notes

Open educational resources

Six structured tracks covering communication systems from analogue fundamentals to optical wireless.

Join the European OWC community.

Researchers, students, and partners — get in touch to collaborate, contribute, or follow our work.

Contact the network