Retrospective on the Jena LIGHT Conference 2024 – Photonics Meets AI

Impressions Jena 2024

Image: Johannes Kretzschmar

International Research Training Group (IRTG) Meta-Active

Bridging Continents for Advanced Research

Welcome to Meta-Active! This collaborative initiative brings together the expertise of the Friedrich Schiller University (FSU) in Jena, Germany, and the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia.

The German segment of the IRTG 2675 is generously funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), supporting our commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and fostering international collaboration.

A Collaborative Scientific Network

Meta-Active stands as a dynamic scientific network, comprising of numerous senior scientists and their dedicated doctoral students. These scholars delve into individual projects aligned with the overarching topical scope of META-ACTIVE. Beyond their research pursuits, doctoral students also undergo tailored education, participating in specialized courses and lectures. This comprehensive approach extends to honing core academic skills, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for success in academia.

Image: Isabelle Staude

What are Metasurfaces? Two-dimensional arrangements of designed nanoscale building blocks that offer exquisite control over the properties of light fields. Meta-Active's mission is to pioneer research in active metasurfaces.
Image: IRTG Meta-Active

Who is Meta-Active? Together with our partners at the ANU, we are a team of over 60 researchers. Currently, in Jena we are 13 senior scientists, 4 postdocs, and 16 doctoral candidates who investigate active metasurfaces.

Highlights

Image: IRTG Meta-Active

Annual Meeting 2024
Meta-Active researchers met in Jena for the annual meeting to discuss project results and plan next steps.

News in Meta-Active

22 October 2024
- Light
- Life
IRTG Meta-Active and CRC NOA at the Long Night of Sciences
Join Us for an Evening of Light and Discovery!
Image: Johannes Kretzschmar
7 June 2024
- Light
Marijn Rikers Awarded ZEISS Ph.D. Award in Modern Optics
for his project "Manipulation of magnetic dipole transitions using dielectric metasurfaces"
Image: Maxwell Bosea, Uni Jena
15 July 2024
- Light
- Life
Interview with Prof. Dragomir Neshev
Insights into Research and Advice for Doctoral Students
Image: TMOS / ANU

All short news

Dual-Degree Programme with ANU Canberra

Our doctoral candidates have the option to pursue a dual degree, combining Meta-Active's academic strengths at the Friedrich Schiller University with the research environment at the Australian National University. During this program, candidates spend a minimum of twelve months working alongside their Australian supervisor, engaging in advanced research.

While spending an extended period abroad presents challenges, it also provides a unique opportunity for personal and academic development. This experience offers more than just formal education—it shapes researchers with a global perspective and a broad network.

The dual-degree program of Meta-Active is designed to offer a practical exploration of international collaboration, providing candidates with the tools to navigate a global research landscape.

Postcards from our doctoral candidates down under

We are encouraging our travelling doctoral students to share their impressions of their long time abroad with the team. Find some digital postcards below!