The fifth edition of the Women in Photonics workshop, organised by the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT), took place from 1 to 5 June 2025 in Jena, Germany. With the support among others of Lasers4EU and 360 CARLA, the event brought together over 70 early-career female researchers from 17 countries. This year’s edition placed a particular emphasis on optical technologies in health applications.
Participants presented cutting-edge research in photonics for medical diagnostics and therapy, including technologies for cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. Among them was Aditi Sahu from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who shared insights into how light-based imaging helps reveal hidden aspects of tumour microenvironments.
Beyond research, the workshop created space for discussions around scientific careers, personal development, and work-life balance.
The strong involvement of regional photonics companies, including Jenoptik, Zeiss, ams Osram, and Fraunhofer IOF, showcased local career pathways and the collaborative potential +enhancing career visibility for women in photonics.
As Prof. Jürgen Popp, Scientific Director of Leibniz IPHT, noted, “Excellent science thrives on diversity. Young women bring new perspectives and energy to research. Through this workshop, we want to make their contributions more visible and support their next career steps.”
By combining scientific exchange, mentoring, and career development, the Women in Photonics workshop exemplifies how dedicated initiatives can support gender inclusion in deep tech fields. With the backing of Lasers4EU and 360 CARLA, the programme contributes to a more diverse, innovative, and equitable European research ecosystem.
Participating in the recent Lasers4EU / 360CARLA training in Jena was very enriching because of its beneficial impact to my scientific development. The “Women in Photonics” workshop offered a truly interactive environment where trending topics in photonics were presented by women from all around the world. The bridge between participants’ presentations and the career reports given by high valuable women from academia and industry not only encouraged and inspired the young researchers, but also highlighted the strong perspectives of photonics. The two career workshops organized by Curiositas were a great opportunity to meet each other while answering some important questions about professional development in research field. The topics diversity from Photonic Data Science to Optical and Vibrational Spectroscopy reflected the unique technological profile of Jena. I am very grateful for the travel grant offered by the organizers and the opportunity to meet colleagues and enthusiastic scientists.