The network of excellence e-photon/one

e-Photon/ONe is a network of excellence (NoE) on optical networks funded by the EU in the Vl framework program. NoEs aim at fostering the integration of the activities of the involved researchers and institutions, exploiting complementarity to achieve critical mass. "Virtual departments" in e-photon/one coordinate research activities on specific thematic areas. In this paper we present a summary of virtual departments views on the state-of-the-art and on future trends and key issues in research on optical networks.