The Network of Infrastructure "Metal based Lightweight Materials" (MetLight) aims to pool existing research laboratories and infrastructures in Europe related to the production, processing, characterisation, application, recycling and assessment of metal based lightweight materials (lightmetals and metal based hybrid materials) in order to provide easy access to these laboratories and to offer extended research opportunities for researchers and industrial entities in the relevant field. Additionally, this network should also serve as a measure to initiate joint research activities and to foster innovation in regard to resource efficient production and processing technologies. Together, the partners of the intended network with their existing research infrastructure and complementary knowledge, provide unique opportunities for integrated research and innovation approaches covering the whole process chain from the materials development and production to its processing and application till its final recycling. As integrated innovation activities regularly involves technological expertise from different technological fields and disciplines and as the network is intended to cover the full scope of metal based lightweight materials (e. g. aluminium, magnesium, and titanium alloys, ultra high strength steels, hybrid compounds, etc.) as well as different geographic regions in Europe, the network involves partners with heterogeneous competence fields and from different countries and regions.