More than 70 early-career researchers from around the world came to Jena for the fifth edition of Women in Photonics – a workshop focused on scientific exchange, career development, and connecting with one of Germany’s key research hubs.

For the fifth time, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) hosted the international career workshop Women in Photonics. From June 1–5, 2025, over 70 young scientists from 17 countries – including India, Mexico, Brazil, Sweden, France, and the United States – gathered in Jena to present their research, build networks, and discuss career paths in academia and industry. One participant traveled more than 16,000 kilometers to attend – all the way from Sydney.

Focus on Photonic Technologies for Health

The five-day workshop focused on light-based technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer, infections, and Alzheimer’s – core research areas at Leibniz IPHT. Aditi Sahu from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York uses optical imaging to study the tumor microenvironment. “Researching with light allows me to see things inside the human body that have never been visible before,” she said. She especially appreciated that the conference addressed more than just scientific results: “There were also open discussions about day-to-day challenges – like how to balance work and personal life.”

Career Pathways and a Common Language Across Disciplines

Zsuzsanna Heiner, a professor at Humboldt University of Berlin, develops new infrared light sources for analyzing biological interfaces. For her, Women in Photonics combines both scientific and personal dimensions. “Photonics is a highly interdisciplinary field. People from very different backgrounds work together here. That’s why it’s so important to find a common language – and this network helps us do exactly that.”

A Proven Format with Growing Reach

Since 2018, Leibniz IPHT has hosted Women in Photonics, and its visibility and impact have steadily grown. The number of applicants is increasing, as is the workshop’s international reputation. For the institute, it is more than just a networking event: it is a strategic tool for identifying scientific talent early and attracting it to Jena. The results are tangible – former participants such as Dr. Maria Chernysheva from Aston University (UK) and Dr. Corinna Kufner from Harvard University (USA) have since gone on to lead their own junior research groups at Leibniz IPHT.

Science Needs Diversity and New Perspectives

“Excellent science requires diversity – and it needs young women researchers who bring in new perspectives,” says Prof. Jürgen Popp, Scientific Director of Leibniz IPHT. “With this conference, we aim to create visibility, break down barriers, and open spaces for exchange. Science is international and interdisciplinary – and that’s why we actively bring talent from all over the world to Jena. It’s how we promote careers and strengthen the innovative power of the photonics hub here.”

Input from Research, Industry, and the Region

In addition to international speakers from academia and industry, regional employers also played an active role in the workshop. Companies such as Jenoptik, Zeiss, ams Osram International, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) presented themselves as potential employers and highlighted career opportunities in Jena’s vibrant photonics sector.

The workshop also featured inspiring insights into cutting-edge research and career paths: Mihaela Žigman from the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics presented her work on field-resolved infrared spectroscopy, which she is developing in collaboration with Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz to improve early cancer detection. Julie Sheridan Eng, CTO of the U.S.-based company Coherent Corp., shared her career story and reflected on the role of photonic technologies in the global economy.