MPSP Autumn School 2026: A Week of Science, Skills and Connection
One week. One network. Plenty of ideas to exchange. From September 21–24, 2026, the Max Planck School of Photonics brought its community together in Karlsruhe for a week packed with research insights, hands-on learning, career perspectives, and plenty of opportunities to connect.
The Autumn School is a key moment in the MPSP calendar — bringing together PhD Candidates and Fellows from different locations and scientific backgrounds to learn from each other, discover new perspectives, and strengthen the network. A highlight of every Autumn School is welcoming the new cohort of PhD Candidates at the MPSP. And this year’s programme had plenty to offer.
From the lab to the big questions
What better way to start a week of photonics than by stepping directly into the lab?
Participants visited the laboratories of MPSP Fellow David Hunger at the Physikalisches Institut (PHI) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), gaining insights into his group’s work in cavity quantum optics. Later in the week, another lab tour took participants to the Institute of Nanotechnology, where MPSP Fellow Maryna Meretska introduced participants to her research environment.
The visits offered a first-hand look at the research happening within the MPSP network — and plenty of inspiration for discussions throughout the week.
New tools for the Photonics researchers of tomorrow
The Autumn School was not just about what happens in the lab. Several interactive sessions focused on skills that researchers increasingly need in their everyday work.
One hot topic was generative AI in scientific research. Participants discussed how AI is already changing the way research is conducted, as well as the opportunities and challenges that come with these new tools.
Other workshops tackled the fundamentals of scientific writing and publishing, helping participants sharpen their skills in communicating research effectively. Speech training added another practical dimension, giving participants the chance to work on their presentation and communication skills.
And because science rarely happens in isolation, the new cohort of MPSP explored communication across cultural boundaries in an intercultural competence workshop — an especially relevant topic for an international research community such as the MPSP. They also gained insights into how to kick-start a doctorate to prepare them as well as possible for their careers in academia
What comes after the PhD?
For many young researchers, the question is not only what am I researching?, but also where could this take me?
The Autumn School therefore put career development firmly on the agenda. During the Career Evening, representatives from local photonics companies shared their experiences and gave participants insights into different career paths beyond academia. This year, we welcomed representatives from Deeplight GmbH, Nanoscribe GmbH & Co. KG, and ZEISS Innovation Hub @KIT.
Research Phase candidates and senior Study Phase candidates also presented their work during the Poster Session. The event turned into a lively forum for discussing research ideas, methods and results — and for discovering what fellow MPSP members are working on across the network.
Science, stories and a little AI
The programme also created space for conversations that go beyond traditional lectures.
During the Fellow Talk, MPSP Fellow Otfried Gühne shared insights into his research in theoretical quantum optics, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with an experienced researcher.
The Fireside Chat took a more personal and informal approach. MPSP Fellows reflected on their scientific careers, shared experiences from academia, and discussed how the growing influence of AI might shape the future of research.
For participants, these conversations offered something that cannot easily be found in a textbook: personal perspectives, honest advice and the chance to ask questions about the realities of a career in science.
More than just science
Of course, no MPSP Autumn School would be complete without plenty of time for the community itself.
At the Welcome Evening, participants got to know each other through games, conversations, and food and drinks from different countries and cultures. Throughout the week, informal conversations continued between sessions, over coffee and during shared activities.
And that is ultimately what the Autumn School is all about: bringing people together.
Different research fields. Different experiences. Different perspectives. One photonics community.
After four days in Karlsruhe, participants left with new scientific insights, new skills and, perhaps most importantly, new connections across the MPSP network.
The 2026 Autumn School once again demonstrated that photonics is not only about pushing the boundaries of light and technology — it is also about the people who come together to explore what is possible next.
