Special Events at the World of Photonics Congress 2025
Join us for an exciting program of panel discussions, keynote speeches and networking events.
A wide range of topics
This program will cover a wide range of topics also including diversity, equality and inclusion content:
- Opportunities to network, learn and debate different views with optics and photonics professionals from around the world
- Panel discussion on lessons learned: Sharing personal stories of how to navigate opportunities, build resilience, learn to overcome fears and live your values
- Support for early-stage researchers
- Mentoring opportunities for first-time attendees (aka newbies) and all those interested
The program will be open to all attendees of Laser World of Photonics 2025 and will be run in collaboration with several organizations, including the European Optical Society (EOS), European Physical Society (EPS), Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Lasertechnik und Photonik e. V. (WLT), Optica, IEEE Photonics Society, and SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics.
Overall, this program aims to raise awareness fo the importance of a variety of opinions in the photonics industry and within the photonics community, and to provide participants with the tools and strategies they need to create a more welcoming and diverse environment for all.
Parts of the program will take place in the Connection Corner on the first foor of the ICM foyer of the International Congress Center Messe München. This area is open to all participants.
The special program in detail - day by day
by EOS and CLEO®/Europe-EQEC co-organizers (European Physical Society, Optica, IEEE Photonics Society)
Monday, June 23, 2025, 12:00–13:00
Room 4a | Ground floor
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
Abstract
The European Optical Society, in collaboration with the CLEO®/ Europe-EQEC co-organizers, will hold this Early-Stage Researcher Session, offering an opportunity for PhD students and Postdoctorate Students to hold a short pitch.
Co-chairs
organised and supported by European Physical Society (EPS), Optica, SPIE, EOS, IEEE and WLT
Monday, June 23, 2025, 17:30-19:00
ICM Foyer North | Ground floor
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
Concurrent with the beginning of the Happy Hour event on Monday evening, a targeted networking event for newbies will take place with a strong focus on women and emerging economies. Here you will find your mentor who provide you with information on how to make the most out of your visit, the networking events, and the congress program in general. No registration required.
Sponsored by the Quantum Electronics Optics Division of the European Physical Society.
Monday, June 23, 2025, 17:30-19:00
ICM Foyer North | Ground floor
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
Welcome Happy Hour to kick off the conference!
Reconnect, relax, and raise a glass with fellow attendees as we launch an exciting week ahead.
For free, no registration required.
By EOS
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 10:30–12:30
Room 1 | Ground floor
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
during the EQEC plenary session and award celebration
by SPIE
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 14:030–15:30
Connection Corner, Foyer | 1st floor (opposite room 14)
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
Join us for a panel discussion on Lessons Learned. Our panel will share invaluable wisdom and personal stories from their journeys: how they navigated opportunities, built resilience, learnt how to overcome their fears, and practiced their values. Alongside celebrating success, we’ll talk about mistakes, so you don’t have to make them.
Moderator: Jess Wade
Sponsored by SPIE
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 17:30-19:30
ICM Foyer North | Ground floor
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
Join us for our Bier & Brezel networking event - enjoy cold beer, pretzels and great company!
For free, no registration required.
by EOS and CLEO®/Europe-EQEC co-organizers (European Physical Society, Optica, IEEE Photonics Society)
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 12:00–13:00
Room 4a | Ground floor
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
Abstract
The European Optical Society, in collaboration with the CLEO®/EuropeEQEC co-organizers, will hold this Early-stage Researcher Session, offering an opportunity for PhD students and Post-doctorate Students to hold a short pitch to introduce their upcoming poster presentation at the conference.
Co-chairs
by CLEO®/Europe-EQEC co-organizers (European Physical Society, Optica, IEEE Photonics Society)
Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 15:30–16:30
Room 4a | Ground floor | ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
PhD Candidates are cordially invited to hear a word from Anne L’Huillier, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments together after Prof. L’Huillier’s plenary session.
Registration is mandatory and limited to 90 participants.
(Registration link on the CLEO website coming soon…)
by CLEO®/Europe-EQEC co-organizers (European Physical Society, Optica, IEEE Photonics Society)
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 12:00–13:00
Connection Corner, Foyer | 1st floor (opposite room 14)
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
Early Career Researchers looking for the next steps in their career are invited to come visit with their peers and ask questions of more advanced researchers. The following panel of researchers will participate:
- Arti Agrawal, Professor at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
- Helen Margolis, Head of Science for Time & Frequency, National Physical Laboratory, London, United Kingdom
- Odeta Limaj, European Research Council- ERC
Registration is mandatory and limited to 60 participants.
(Registration link on the CLEO website coming soon…)
by CLEO®/Europe-EQEC co-organizers (European Physical Society, Optica, IEEE Photonics Society)
Friday, June 27, 2025, 12:00–13:00
Connection Corner, ICM Foyer | 1st floor (opposite room 14)
ICM – International Congress Center Messe München
PhD Candidates looking for the next steps in their career are invited to come discuss with their peers and ask questions to more advanced researchers. Four panel members will be participating:
- Arti Agrawal, Professor at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
- Carlos Abellan, CEO Quside, Barcelona, Spain
- Ingmar Hartl, Head of DESY FS-LA Laser Science & Technology, Hamburg, Germany
- Michele Celebrano, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
Registration is mandatory and limited to 60 participants.
(Registration link on the CLEO website coming soon...)
Anti-harassment programs of the societies
Providing a welcoming and safe environment for all participants at Laser World of Photonics is a priority for all organisations involved.
To report discrimination or harassment that you have witnessed or experienced at this meeting, please contact your home association.
EPS
- Report by emailing: CodeOfConduct@eps.org
- For more information: eps.org/page/CodeOfConduct
IEEE Photonics Society
- For more information or to submit a report visit secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/20410/index.html
Optica
- Report online at optica.org/IncidentReport or e-mail to CodeOfConduct@optica.org
- For more information: optica.org/CodeOfConduct
SPIE
- Report online at spie.ethicspoint.com or 24-hour SPIE reporting hotline at +1-888-818-6898
- For more information: spie.org/about-spie/the-society/policies-and-reporting
WLT
Report by emailing: info@wlt.de
