MPSP SPRING SCHOOL 2025

Inspiration, Collaboration, Transformation

The Max Planck School of Photonics Spring School 2025 was held from February 24th to 28th in the picturesque and inspiring town of Garmisch! Where once again, we gathered for an enriching and dynamic exchange of ideas, knowledge, and collaboration.
Throughout the week, participants had the unique opportunity to engage with some of our celebrated fellows, visit some of the best physics and optics institutions, and participate in stimulating discussions. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch provided the perfect setting to connect, build relationships, and deepen the understanding of photonic technologies shaping the future.
 

Day 1: Arrival & Networking

The first day of the Max Planck School of Photonics Spring School 2025 kicked off with the arrival of the PhD candidates in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Excitement filled the air for the start of an enriching week focused on photonics, networking, and fun!

The day began with a visit to the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), where participants were welcomed and introduced to te institute’s groundbreaking research from Prof. Dr. Vladislav Yakolev and Mihaela Zigman, research group leader who gave insightful talks, providing an overview of the institute’s work on light and quantum systems. Following the MPQ visit, the group headed to the Centre for Advanced Laser Applications (CALA). Where our doctoral students explored the innovative laser technologies being developed for medical applications. Researchers at CALA are working on high-intensity X-ray imaging, laser-generated protons, carbon-ion beam therapy, and non-invasive diagnostic techniques using laser-based spectroscopy. The visit provided an in-depth look at photonics’ practical, real-world applications in medicine.

Afterward, everyone could finally settle into the hotel and celebrate the welcome evening with a late afternoon of games, conversations, and laughter. The first day set the stage for a whole week of experiences, offering the students a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts and see firsthand the cutting-edge research at these prestigious institutions.

Day 2-3: Scientific Discussions & Presentations

Over the next two days, our PhD students were able to enjoy the presentations of some of their peers' projects through the Student Conferences. Chaired by colleagues Katarina Chapman, Mira Hesselink, and Lynn Ostersehlt, twelve members of the Max Planck School of Photonics from different institutions offered details and specifics of their research work and exchanged ideas such as "Exploiting transient resonances in nonlinear X-ray experiments", "Deep context processing with an optoacoustic recurrent operator" or "Spectroscopy and coherent manipulation of REI-based organic molecular systems for quantum information applications" among others. To complete this sharing, the cherished Poster Session was also held on Wednesday, where all attendees could discuss impressions and reflect on different research projects.

These days also had the presence of special guests such as fellows Stefan Karsch, Michael Klües, Maria Chekhova, Nicolas Joly, and Christine Silberhorn, who not only offered their own presentations to the students but also formed part of the jury that decided the winning members of the Poster Session, with researcher Shalom Palkhivala, as the winner of the best poster on „Ultrafast single-particle sensing with a high-finesse optofluidic cavity“ but also Second place in the Best Student Conference, tied with his colleagues Kerim Köster and Olivia Saffer with researcher Weizeh Li as the winner with his presentation on „Photocurrent control in a light-dressed Floquet topological insulator„

To conclude Wednesday, fellows Maria Chekhova, Nicolas Joly, and Christine Silberhorn were the protagonists of the panel discussion "How to turn failures into success?" They delighted us all with their life experiences and examples, which will surely help shape our PhD candidates' perspectives and, above all, help them learn from their mistakes for the future.

Day 4: Time to relax

A break from intense academic sessions, this day was dedicated to combined excursions and fun in the snow. Divided into two distinct groups, some of our students relaxed with the wonderful views of the surroundings on a hike to Lake Eibsee, while the rest enjoyed the groomed natural snow and slopes of the Zugspitze glacier and its ski area.

To conclude the day, the PhD meeting was held, and fellow Christine Silberhorn gave a talk about „Photonic quantum technologies: from integrated quantum devices to designing large complex systems“.

Day 5: Industry & Research Exposure

To conclude this intense week, our doctoral students were able to enjoy a visit to DLR Campus Oberpfaffenhofen, one of the largest research centers in Germany focused on the operation of aerospace missions, robotics, and energy, among others, where they had access to different laboratories and some insights into different projects under development, before returning to their homes.

As we part ways, we do so with renewed motivation and excitement for the journey ahead. To everyone who contributed, presented, discussed, and laughed along the way—thank you for making this week truly special. Until we meet again at the next Spring School, keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep shining your light in the world of photonics!

See you next time!