CARLA Camp Barcelona 2026

ICFO is pleased to invite you to the seventh edition of CARLA Camp: the Photonics Career Symposium – Different Beginnings, Endless Opportunities, a free one-day symposium on the many career paths available in photonics.

The symposium is aimed at undergraduate, master’s and PhD students, as well as early-career researchers in physics, engineering, biology, chemistry and other STEM disciplines, who are considering their next professional steps in academia, industry or beyond.

When: 3 December 2026, 9:00 – 16:00 CET

Where: ICFO (Castelldefels, Barcelona)

Registration: the event is free of charge, but registration is required. Please, register HERE by 22 November 2026.

The symposium brings participants together with professionals from across the photonics field. Researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, engineers, industry representatives and recruitment experts will share where they started, how their careers developed and what their current roles involve. They will also give an up-to-date overview of the skills and profiles that employers in Europe and Catalonia are looking for.

The programme includes short talks by early-career researchers, a panel discussion with photonics companies, a session on current research topics and emerging trends, and themed career talks where participants can put their own questions to the speakers. The day ends with optional guided visits to ICFO’s laboratories (subject to availability and prior registration).

The preliminary programme is available below.