In order to encourage young female scientists to decide for a career in the photonics sector and to better connect them, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) is organizing the 4th edition of its international workshop series “Women in Photonics“. From November 26 – 30, 2023, the institute invites young female scientists to Jena to exchange ideas, make contacts and discover career paths in academia and industry.

As an important future and key technology, photonics is of enormous relevance to society as a whole for solving current and future challenges in the fields of health, the environment, medicine and security. In order to make a career start in this promising field more attractive for young female graduates and top employees and to pave the way for a career in research and industry in the photonics sector, Leibniz IPHT is providing important impulses with its workshop.
 
During the event, female doctoral and postdoctoral researchers will benefit from valuable inspirations provided by both experienced leaders and regional company representatives. In addition to tips on career development, young female scientists have the opportunity to engage in professional discussions with other female researchers, present their own research results to an international audience of experts, and exchange ideas on current photonics topics and trends.

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, has been supporting the event since the workshop series began in 2018. Prof Jennifer Barton from the University of Arizona, USA, 2023 SPIE president-elect will co-chair the workshop alongside Prof Jürgen Popp from Leibniz IPHT and Prof Małgorzata Barańska from Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.

With a focus on optical health technologies, this year’s event places a special emphasis on light-based technologies for disease diagnostics and therapy. Interested female scientists who are researching and working in these fields have the opportunity to register for participation in the „Women in Photonics“ workshop by August 31, 2023: www.biophotonics4future.com/wip-2023/
 
The submission of abstracts for presenting individual research contributions in the form of posters or the participation in the scientific lecture program is also possible. Participation in the workshop is free of charge. A limited number of travel grants are available.