The event, jointly organised by the Central Laser Facility (CLF) and Laserlab Networking, provided a unique opportunity for the participants to learn the key skills required to run experiments on HPL facilities such as Vulcan or Gemini.

The broad range of topics covered in the course included laser and plasma diagnostics, optics characterisation, laser safety, vacuum and cryogenic systems, targetry, and overall project management of a typical experiment. In addition the participants had the opportunity to put their skills to the test by setting up and performing their own experiment in the Vulcan Petawatt target area. With many new to the field this was an extremely useful exercise in working collaboratively with experimenters from other laboratories and universities.

12 scientists from 8 different European institutions (including ELI-NP) attended the course, which also featured guest talks and tutorials from leading academics in the field of laser-plasma interactions from the UK and Europe. As well as hands-on and classroom learning provided by the CLF, the Training weeks also provided an excellent opportunity for the participants to network with other members of the EU HPL community.