Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOFJena (Germany) | July 28, 2025
Photonics Day Jena 2025: Register now for the career and networking event
Date note
With the Photonics Day Jena, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF and the Max Planck School of Photonics are once again inviting students and doctoral candidates to their international career and networking event on September 29, 2025. The event will take place in person in Jena, and participation is free of charge. The registration deadline is September 9.
In order to promote young talent and thus innovation in the fields of optics and photonics, the Fraunhofer IOF is organizing this year's Photonics Day Jena in collaboration with the Max Planck School of Photonics graduate school. Students and doctoral candidates can look forward to an international event for professional exchange, individual career orientation, and practical knowledge transfer.
On September 29, the organizers invite participants to the event in Jena to network with an international community and representatives of renowned companies and to make valuable contacts for their own professional careers. Of course, the acquisition of scientific skills will not be neglected either.
Experience quantum research up close – "Photonics Day goes Quantum"
The compact one-day event under the motto "Photonics Day goes Quantum"– inspired by UNESCO's International Year of Quantum 2025 – offers a varied program with specialist presentations, interactive workshops, and hands-on formats focusing on quantum technologies.
A special highlight of this year's Photonics Day Jena: the keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Christine Silberhorn on photonic quantum technologies, which impressively brings the prospects of photonics and quantum research to life. Christine Silberhorn holds the Chair of Integrated Quantum Optics at Paderborn University. In 2011, she became the youngest recipient of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize for her work in the field of experimental quantum optics.
Another specialist lecture will be given by Prof. Dr. Fabian Steinlechner, Fraunhofer researcher and professor of experimental quantum information at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena. He will explain the potential applications of highly secure quantum communication.
The lectures will be followed by the presentation of the Applied Photonics Award 2025, the young talent prize organized by Fraunhofer IOF, which honors outstanding theses in the field of applied photonics. Further young ideas from the world of photonics will also be the central theme of the "Idea Pitches" at the Center of Excellence in Photonics before the day is rounded off with an evening program.
Network, learn, and have fun – at the Industry Brunch and Hackathon
The Photonics Day Jena not only offers exciting presentations but also focuses on attractive practical formats and networking opportunities for individual career planning.
The day begins with a "Career and Industry Brunch" where students have the opportunity to talk directly with renowned companies and institutes in the optics and photonics industry and make valuable contacts. In discussions with attractive employers, participants can explore opportunities for internships, theses, or specific job offers and gain insights into their own career paths even before completing their studies.
A tour of the laboratories and exhibition rooms at Fraunhofer IOF also offers an exclusive opportunity to experience modern photonics research up close and talk to experts.
Parallel to the regular program, participants in the "Quantum Hacking" hackathon will have the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges from the world of quantum technologies. Separate registration is required for participation in the hackathon in addition to registration for Photonics Day. Interested hackathon participants can register here: https://quanten-kompass.de/en/
The preliminary program with further details is also available at: Program (photonicsdays.de)
Register for the free event by September 9
Registrations for Photonics Day Jena are open until September 9. Participation is free of charge. Students and doctoral candidates are eligible to participate. The event language is English.
For more information, visit www.photonicsdays.de and photonics.days@iof.fraunhofer.de.
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Become a partner of the Photonics Day Jena 2025
The Photonics Day Jena 2025 is supported by the following partners. Are you also interested in using our event as a platform to meet potential new employees?
Then contact us via: photonics.days@iof.fraunhofer.de. We will be happy to advise you on your options as a sponsor!
d-fine – Partner of the Photonics Days Jena 2025
LEG Thüringen – Partner of the Photonics Days Jena 2025
OptoNet e.V. – Partner of the Photonics Days Jena 2025