30 students from eight European countries have participated in the first summer school organised by the THRILL Project, held from 7-11 October at the Belambra Resort on the stunning Giens peninsula in the south of France.

The goal of the programme was to raise awareness and to provide cutting-edge training on technologies related to high-energy high-repetition-rate laser facilities.

The curriculum spanned key topics essential to the THRILL project, from laser amplification, optical coatings, beam quality and artificial intelligence in the context of modern high-energy laser facilities. The heuristic lectures were enriched by small-group, directed work and practical sessions for in-depth hands-on training. Plus, the team-building activities and the remote setting of the Giens peninsula further enhanced the learning experience.

“The school was a real success,” declared THRILL project leader Vincent Bagnoud. “I especially want to thank my team for their dedication to make this event a unique learning experience.”

We are looking forward to the second THRILL summer school, coming in June 2026 with the main focus on the applications of high-energy lasers!