“Discovering Through Diversity”: Leibniz IPHT Sets Example for Diversity and Interdisciplinarity in Research

At the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) in Jena, researchers and technologists from a wide range of disciplines work together on light-based solutions for health and medicine, the environment, energy and security. They are researching probes for cancer surgery and rapid tests for the detection of infectious diseases. They are analyzing the effects of drugs in the body and using optical methods to detect plastic particles in water. They are investigating the role of light in the origin of life on Earth and developing new fiber lasers for medicine.  

A central goal of the institute is the transfer of research results into applications – from ideas to instruments. At Leibniz IPHT, different disciplines and technologies work together to achieve this goal.  

From Physicists to Microtechnologists: An International Team from Italy to Indonesia  

The more than 450 employees come from the fields of physics, chemistry and biology and are engineers, microtechnologists and laboratory technicians. And they have come to the international optics and photonics location in Jena from 38 countries around the world: from Italy and South Korea, from Romania, India and Indonesia, from Taiwan and the USA, from Würzburg and Markersdorf in Thuringia.  

This diversity is not only a strength, but also a necessity for scientific progress. To emphasize this, Leibniz IPHT is launching the campaign “Discovering through Diversity”. In a series of short films, researchers from different disciplines and countries of origin introduce themselves and talk about their work.  

Diversity is the Key to Success  

The Leibniz IPHT stands for diversity in two senses: for interdisciplinary and international science. “The key to the success of our research lies in the diversity of cultures and people as well as in our different perspectives,” emphasizes Prof. Jürgen Popp, Scientific Director of the Leibniz IPHT. 

“We can be proud of the fact that so many people from different backgrounds work together successfully at Leibniz IPHT. We are committed to a cosmopolitan and tolerant society because we are convinced that we can only conduct cutting-edge research in an atmosphere of openness, respect and mutual appreciation. Diversity and academic freedom are the cornerstones of our research and our common future. 

Click here for all videos