ICFO hosts the sixth CARLA Camp: strengthening career pathways in photonics

“It was very useful to talk to experts from this field during the breaks, and the topics were very interesting,” shared one of the participants of the sixth edition of the CARLA Camp: the Photonics Career Symposium organized by ICFO, that take place last December, 4th at CosmoCaixa (Barcelona) in the framework of the Quantum Education Summit 2025. Bringing together more than 100 students and early-stage researchers, along with 13 speakers from across the photonics landscape, the event offered a full day of inspiration, career insights,and direct exchanges with professionals driving innovation in the field.

The event opened with welcome words by Lydia Sanmartí-Vila (ICFO), followed by an overview of the photonics landscape by Verònica Ahufinger (ICFO). The first panel, “Photonics careers in academia“, featured insights from Carmen Rubio (ICFO), Heather Lewandowski (University of Colorado Boulder), Marilù Chiofalo (University of Pisa) and Pelayo García de Arquer (ICFO). Their discussion provided attendees with grounded perspectives on the evolving academic ecosystem and the research frontiers shaping the future of the field.

The program continued with a Hot topic session on photonics for personalized medicine delivered by Ariadna Martinez (ICFO), who also moderated the panel “Photonics careers in industry“. Bárbara Buades (Meetoptics), Joan Cano (Qurv), Lucia Garbini (Pasqal), Francesco Benfenati (IQM) and Sergi Cuesta (Vitsolc) shared their experiences working in cutting-edge companies, offering practical guidance on skills, roles and trends currently redefining photonics-driven innovation.

Participants also gained insights into key technological developments thanks to the Hot Topic talk on trends in photonic integrated chips by Miquel Rudé (Quside). The day concluded with a dynamic networking lunch that facilitated informal exchanges between attendees and speakers.

The CARLA Camp received an overall rating of 4.6/5. According to the anonymous feedback, 89% of participants reported an increased interest in photonics careers and 100% would recommend attending a CARLA Camp. Here are some quotes from participants:

“Even though photonics wasn’t the first thing that came to mind for my future career, attending the symposium helped me realize how many paths are possible.”

“It was particularly insightful for someone who is still unsure of entering academia or industry. Now I know about other people’s particular paths, which is very helpful.”

Within the framework of the Horizon Europe 360 CARLA, more career-oriented initiatives will continue to support and strengthen the photonics talent pipeline across Europe.