Results from IST projects working on advanced optical networking and the IST OPTIMIST thematic network

The IST OPTIMIST project is a thematic network project entitled “Optical Technologies in Motion for the IST Programme” and funded within the FP5 of the EU research programme. IST projects funded in the FP5 working in the area of Optical Technologies and Photonic Networking can be mainly found in KA4 (Essential Technologies and Infrastructure), in FET (Future and Emerging Technologies) and in the RN (Research Networks). As the R&D effort spent on photonic technologies is thus scattered over several parts of the FP5 programme, the first aim of the OPTIMIST project was to create a thematic network actively clustering the IST projects working in this technological area. The main objectives of the OPTIMIST thematic network are thus the initiation of a concertation process in-between the projects of the thematic network, the fostering of synergies and consensus building and the support for the creation and endorsement of European policies through the collection of “Technology Trends in Photonic Technologies and Optical Networking”. More information on the IST OPTIMIST thematic network can be found at http://www.ist-optimist.org.