AILU Policies

AILU is a not-for-profit organisation which connects laser professionals from a wide variety of laser-material interaction backgrounds including industry and academia. The association operates on the principle that its positions and policies should be responsible, uphold DEI principles, are evidence-based, follow all relevant ethical requirements, and represent the best interests of its members, their employees and wider society. We encourage our members to act in a manner that upholds these principles.

Environment and Sustainability Policy

AILU supports the UK Net Zero policy and the development of policies and funding that allow its membership to transition to Net Zero and invest in sustainable technologies and processes. We encourage our members to ensure that climate impact and sustainability is part of both product and process design. AILU will promote the use laser technology to support governmental and international efforts, replacing less energy and carbon efficient processes, to achieve Net Zero and the reduction of the environmental impact of human activity.

AILU will seek to use the least environmentally impactful methods in achieving its aims where reasonably practicable and in compliance with the applicable regulations & guidelines.

Skills Development and Training Policy

AILU identifies the crucial necessity to overcome the shortage of laser processing skillset and knowledge across all levels of industry, with a particular focus on early career Engineers and Technician. To address the skills gap AILU will promote the integration of laser processing training content in both engineering degree programs and vocational, hands-on training.

Recognising the rapidly developing innovation in laser processes, AILU will support the updating of new training (including any safety standard updates) and public awareness where applicable for new laser technologies. By working with industry stakeholders, educational bodies, and regulatory agencies, AILU seeks to enable the creation of a suitably skilled workforce that can further the safe and effective application of laser technologies, securing the future competitiveness of the sector.

Adoption of Lasers into Industry Policy

AILU seeks to accelerate the broad adoption of laser technologies across UK industries in a manner that increases productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness of UK industries in the global market. AILU will do this by highlighting the opportunities that laser processing presents as well as working to reduce any blockers for adoption – for example AILU Draft Policy 1/4/25

helping industry to engage with funding opportunities, lobbying for change where necessary, and supporting initiatives to allow industry access to test, de-risk and create business cases for laser processes. AILU encourages the transition from traditional methods to high-productive laser-based solutions, as well as the use of laser-based manufacturing to scale-up the new and emerging technologies on the horizon, from Quantum to Hydrogen. AILU will promote awareness and understanding of the advantages of laser technologies by means of education, demonstration, and collaboration and ensures that UK industries are in a good position to exploit its potential for innovation and sustainable growth.

Export Control Policy

AILU calls for clear, stable, guidelines and rules regarding export control. These should balance the need to limit access to key technologies without undue constraint to academic and industrial growth in the photonics sector. Furthermore, AILU supports regulations on reporting that are clear, fair and do not pose an undue burden on the sector.

Standards Policy

AILU recognises that standards for both laser systems and laser based processes are a key requirement for adoption and growth in the sector. AILU supports efforts to draft, review and adopt standards for new lasers and new laser processes. AILU calls on the BSI and ISO to consider new laser related standards and to be responsive to the needs of industry and the pace of innovation in the sector.

Safety Policy

AILU calls for clear and effective safety guidelines, standards, and legislation for the use and purchase of laser systems. AILU is committed to promoting the safe use of lasers in industrial applications and research. We expect our members to adhere to all relevant laser safety legislation for the use and manufacture of lasers and AILU is committed to promoting best practices in laser safety to protect workers, the public, and the environment.

Policies