Lessons learned with the e-Photon/ONe Network of Excellence

e-Photon/ONe is a Network of Excellence (NoE) on optical networks funded by the EU in the VI Framework Program. NoEs aim at the integration of the activities of the involved researchers and institutions, exploiting complementarity to achieve critical mass and to foster excellence. "Virtual Departments" in e-Photon/ONe coordinate technical activities in specific thematic areas. In this paper we briefly discuss the organization of e-Photon/ONe and discuss our experience in coordinating and participating to this NoE.