The goal of the project was to develop new methods in optics and spectral colour research for the needs of industry. In accordance with the project plan, activities would consist of five work packages, which are based on the wave nature of light. In optics, the behaviour of light would be studied through changes in its wave patterns, and in spectral colour research, light would be measured as a function of wavelength. Therefore, the foundation of the work packages would create a uniform entity where basic and applied light research would be completed for the needs of industry. Achievements: The colour measurement and analysis for the paper and print industry work package developed colour analysis methods for these industries. PunaMusta and M-real provided materials as well as information regarding the need for research and the opportunities to benefit from it. Spectrum processing software and software for print product analysis were implemented as part of the work package. In addition, a concept was developed as a potential spectral-based drafting system. A new CMYK colour map was created for the modelling. Cooperation with Russia was carried out through St. Petersburg State University in the form of calculations related to condensing spectral images. Cooperation with St. Petersburg State Technical University was engaged in through measuring and analysing the characteristics of print products in relation to fluorescence and density. In the second work package, standardisation of the spectral image format was still in progress when the project ended. The intention of the third work package was to study the applicability of optical measurement devices for monitoring industrial processes. Three measurement devices that utilise laser optics were produced during the project: a wood grain angle measurement device, a turbidity measurement device and a gloss measurement device. The partner companies were Mäntsälän Saha, Metso Paper and StoraEnso. The functionality of the measurement devices was tested under laboratory conditions. In addition, the turbidity and gloss measurement devices were tested in an industrial environment. Using measurement devices developed under industrial conditions, product quality can be improved and material and labour costs can be reduced. The development needs of the measurement devices were identified and reported in detail; however, there was not suffi cient time to test and refine all of them during the project. An invention notice was created as a result of the work package. The fourth work package concerned the application of nanostructures in photonetics and in display technologies of the future. A visit by a Russian professor to the University of Joensuu was an integral part of this research. During this part of the project, Chemical Vapor Decomposition (CVD) equipment was designed for producing carbon nanostructures; an order for this equipment was subsequently received from England. A patentability search was commissioned and a patent application submitted for the manufacturing process. A Russian researcher also participated in the research. The fifth work package consisted of colour measurement and analysis of art: measuring cultural artefacts, such as textiles, at the North Karelian Museum. The work required a development of spectral camera system in order to measure the textile surfaces of the pieces. The planned measurement of the cultural and historical pieces in St. Petersburg together with St. Petersburg State Technical University did not occur during the project.