The National Centre for Laser Applications (NCLA), based in the School of Physics in NUI Galway, is a research centre focussed on the area of laser materials processing. It offers industry-led research in laser materials processing applications (applied research), research services for industry and academia (metrology and characterisation), proprietary research and technology development, fundamental research, graduate education in fundamental research in short pulse laser-, material-ambient interactions, industry sponsored postgraduate programmes. NCLA is partner of the Integrated Nanoscience Platform for Ireland (Inspire).