Smart Waves program

Université PSL’s Major Research Programs

Université PSL’s Major Research programs are multi-year initiatives that bring together laboratories and disciplines to tackle major scientific and societal challenges. Selected for the 2025–2029 period, there are 14 programs in total, involving more than 1 000 researchers and supported by a dedicated budget of €36 million.

Each program runs for five years, is led by an interdisciplinary team, and aims to strengthen PSL’s international visibility, foster collaboration, and support innovation.

To learn more about the 14 Major programs, visit the official page: The Major Research programs of Université PSL
 

Smart Waves at the heart of wave science

Since the 2000s, advances in optics, acoustics, microwaves, and seismology have profoundly transformed wave science, driven by innovations such as metamaterials, wavefront shaping, and dense sensor networks. These breakthroughs call for new physical models and innovative mathematical methods to understand wave propagation in complex media.

The Smart Waves program brings together PSL’s expertise to tackle these challenges and unlock the potential of waves in key areas: health, communications, and sustainable development. It is structured around four strategic priorities:

• Quantifying the information carried by waves
• Controlling wavefront generation and transport
• Developing advanced imaging techniques
• Designing innovative materials to make waves more agile

The goal is to build a transdisciplinary community, support disruptive research, and position PSL as a global leader in wave science.