The 2024 Photonics PhD Days was a resounding success, taking another step towards its ambition of becoming a must-attend event for photonics PhD students.
Organised in Lannion by Photonics Bretagne, Anticipa, ENSSAT and Institut Foton, this 3rd edition extended its duration from 2 to 3 days in response to feedback from the 2nd edition’s satisfaction survey. This year, the international aspect took on a significant dimension with no less than 7 different nationalities represented. Thanks to the European project Photonics4Industry, eligible doctoral students were able to benefit from funding for part of their travel expenses; the rest of the costs (accommodation, local transport and meals) was entirely covered by the event. Optica, also a sponsor, made a generous contribution by donating the prizes awarded to each workshop participant.
An enriching experience for doctoral students
It’s often said that quality is more important than quantity. This year’s event is a perfect example. Following a number of cancellations, this year’s Photonics PhD Days brought together around thirty participants, including 10 PhD students, who could thus each receive more individual attention.
Captivating thesis pitches, talks on the various support and funding programmes available in the region, inspiring success stories, one-to-one meetings with entrepreneurs, and visits to local photonics companies – Oxxius, Lumibird and Photonics Bretagne – made up the 3-day programme.