Chair in Optical Sciences and Photonics
The Chair in Optical Sciences and Photonics (COSP) establishes UM6P as a platform for frontier photonics research, transformative technologies, and interdisciplinary solutions for energy, agriculture, health, materials, and intelligent systems.
A strong scientific, technological, and societal foundation
The Chair in Optical Sciences and Photonics is built on the strategic ambition of UM6P and the scientific depth of the COSP program. It advances excellence in optical sciences while aligning frontier research with ethical responsibility, interdisciplinary openness, and tangible societal relevance in Morocco, Africa, and the wider global scientific ecosystem.
Mission of COSP
The mission of the Chair is to establish UM6P as a leading center of excellence in photonics by advancing frontier research, developing transformative technologies, and fostering interdisciplinary solutions to major global challenges.
Scientific Positioning
COSP connects nanophotonics, plasmonics, quantum photonics, optical metasurfaces, thin-film photovoltaics, precision agriculture, smart materials, optical sensing, and data sciences within one strategic platform for research, innovation, and advanced training.
Photonics is the science of the 21st century; light is the medium through which we will solve some of our greatest challenges, from clean energy to precision medicine. At IAS UM6P, we are building a platform for this science to thrive and make a difference.
Professor Zouheir Sekkat is internationally recognized for his work in optical sciences, photonics, light–matter interactions, laser science, and materials research. Through COSP, he leads a platform that combines rigorous scientific inquiry with high-impact innovation and global academic engagement.
His leadership anchors the Chair’s ambition to consolidate advanced research platforms, strengthen strategic partnerships, and train the next generation of photonics experts across Morocco, Africa, and beyond.
The principles that shape the COSP platform
The Chair’s values reflect scientific rigor, openness, technological ambition, and responsibility. They guide how research is conducted, how collaborations are built, and how photonics is translated into long-term impact.
Strategic objectives for research, platforms, and partnerships
COSP aims to strengthen UM6P’s scientific positioning while translating optical sciences into technologies, infrastructure, partnerships, and human capital with durable impact.
Advance frontier knowledge in optical sciences
Drive high-level research in nanophotonics, plasmonics, quantum photonics, optical metasurfaces, thin-film photovoltaics, smart materials, optical sensing, precision agriculture, and data sciences.
Translate light-based science into technologies
Convert fundamental discoveries in light–matter interaction into solutions for renewable energy, intelligent photonic systems, biomedical technologies, advanced materials, and agro-photonics.
Build and consolidate advanced platforms
Develop state-of-the-art experimental and computational infrastructures in thin-film technologies, LiDAR remote sensing, optical characterization, and simulation tools.
Strengthen international and industrial partnerships
Expand strategic collaborations with global institutions, European research programs, African scientific networks, and industrial partners to reinforce innovation capacity.
Foster interdisciplinary integration within UM6P
Act as a transversal scientific hub that connects IAS Chairs, colleges, and research centers around transitions in energy, food systems, materials, digital technologies, and health.
Develop human capital in advanced photonics
Train and mentor PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and young scientists, contributing to the emergence of a new generation of experts in Morocco, Africa, and beyond.
Conference leadership and knowledge dissemination
In coordination with IAS, COSP plays an active leadership role in organizing, chairing, and scientifically coordinating international conferences and academic events in optical sciences, photonics, and major transition domains.
International Conference Leadership
The Chair contributes to high-level scientific events that reinforce UM6P’s visibility within the global photonics ecosystem and strengthen long-term academic networks.
Scientific Events Bridging Global Transitions
The Chair ensures that optical sciences remain central to multidisciplinary transitions through conference themes that connect photonics with large-scale societal priorities.
Regional and African Engagement
Beyond conference organization, COSP supports scientific capacity building and academic exchange throughout Africa while deepening cross-institutional dialogue within UM6P.
A portfolio of high-impact research initiatives
The Chair is currently engaged in major projects spanning energy transition, advanced thin films, intelligent photonic systems, and the convergence of materials science with low-energy computing.
EU SOLIS Project (2024–2028)
Solar Cells-Inspired Inorganic Semiconductor Synaptic Systems for Low Energy Edge Computing and Visual Learning explores inorganic thin-film materials that function as optically controlled artificial synapses. By leveraging stable and tunable semiconductor systems, the project contributes to low-energy neuromorphic computing architectures and intelligent photonic systems while strengthening COSP’s integration into European research networks.
Tandem Solar Cells Technology with INNOVX (2024–2026)
This collaboration focuses on the fabrication and characterization of high-efficiency tandem photovoltaic architectures integrating thin-film absorbers such as CZTS or CIGS with silicon-based solar technologies. The program combines thin-film deposition, material optimization, and advanced optical and electrical simulations to improve conversion efficiency, reduce costs, and support industrial innovation in renewable technologies.
COSP in images across Morocco and Africa
A visual glimpse into the Chair’s identity, atmosphere, and scientific presence through the latest COSP imagery.
Building a leading photonics platform for science, technology, and society.
COSP advances frontier research, strategic partnerships, and high-level training to position UM6P as a reference point for optical sciences and photonics in Morocco, Africa, and the international research landscape.