The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) was established in 1983 as part of the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), also established in 1983. FORTH is one of the largest research centers in Greece with well - organized facilities and highly qualified personnel. It functions under the supervision of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology of the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs and consists of seven Research Institutes located throughout Greece: Heraklion, Rethymnon, Patras and Ioannina. The research of IESL focuses on fundamental and applied issues related to materials science and technology and laser interactions with matter.

The research activities are centred around two major areas:

• Laser Interactions and Photonics Division
• Materials and Devices Division

IESL is part of the LaserLab Europe, and houses the Ultraviolet Laser Facility (ULF-FORTH), a multi-disciplinary scientific laboratory dedicated to laser-based science, supporting high quality basic and technological research There is a strong interplay in research activities within the above fields with emphasis on crossing the borders between physics, chemistry and biology. Training and education through research and the exploitation of technologically mature applications are equally important priorities.