360 CARLA Health activities connect biomedical photonics and career development in Bratislava

From 10 to 12 November 2025, Bratislava hosted a round-up programme of 360 CARLA Health activities dedicated to biomedical photonics, bringing together students, researchers, and professionals through training sessions, a careers symposium, and a hands-on laboratory experience.

Organised by the International Laser Centre of SCSTI within the framework of the Horizon Europe project 360 CARLA, the events explored how photonics technologies are advancing healthcare and biomedical sciences, while also highlighting career opportunities across academia, industry, and innovation.

Training on Microscopy and Image Processing

The programme started on 10 November with the 360 CARLA Health Training on Microscopy and Image Processing for Biomedical Applications, organised in collaboration with Carl Zeiss Slovakia. The one-day workshop introduced participants to microscopy imaging, image data processing, and quantitative analysis methods used in biomedical research.

^{Photo author: Diana Brišová / CVTI SR}

Through a combination of lectures and hands-on sessions, attendees explored image acquisition workflows, pre-processing techniques, and computer-aided analysis tools using open-source platforms such as ImageJ/Fiji alongside ZEISS technologies. Participants also had the opportunity to work with the Axioscan 7 scanning microscope system and discuss practical imaging challenges with experts in the field.

Careers Symposium on Biotech and Medical Photonics

On 11 November, the 360 CARLA Health: Biotech and Medical Photonics Careers Symposium brought together speakers from academia, healthcare, industry, and entrepreneurship to discuss the role of photonics in medical innovation and to showcase career opportunities within the sector.

The symposium featured talks on biosensing, microscopy, medical imaging, photodynamic therapy, nanotechnology-based sensors, and biomedical applications of advanced optical imaging. Dedicated sessions focused on career development and personal testimonials also provided participants with first-hand perspectives on professional pathways in photonics and healthcare technologies. Networking activities and panel discussions further encouraged interaction between attendees and speakers throughout the day.

Hands-On Experience in Biomedical Photonics

The programme concluded on 12 November with the 360 CARLA Health Experience on Biomedical Applications of Photonics, hosted at the Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The activity offered participants direct exposure to fluorescence, confocal, and super-resolution microscopy techniques used in biomedical research.

^{Photo author: Diana Brišová / CVTI SR}

Following introductory lectures on fluorescence principles and calcium signalling in living cells, participants joined practical laboratory sessions focused on image acquisition optimisation and experimental setups for studying cardiac muscle cells. The experience allowed attendees to observe how cutting-edge photonics tools are applied in biomedical research environments and to interact directly with researchers working in the field.

Together, these three activities provided participants with a comprehensive overview of biomedical photonics, combining technical training, career guidance, and practical laboratory experience. The Bratislava programme also reinforced the importance of collaboration between research institutions, healthcare professionals, and industry in supporting the next generation of photonics talent in Europe.