Finland hosts its first 360 CARLA Career Symposium

On June 6, 2025, Photonics Finland hosted the 360 CARLA Career Symposium at the Oulu Music Centre, focused on Biotech and Medical Photonics. This event brought together over 80 participants, students, early-career researchers, and professionals in a dynamic hybrid format.

The day opened with an inspiring keynote by Katja Lefevre (Detection Technology) “From Lab to Market: Building a Global Career in Photonics, Medical Imaging, and Customer Solutions“. Her journey from research to impactful product development highlighted how photonics can shape global healthcare and careers.

Prof. Jyrki Saarinen (UEF) followed with “Starting a Business in Biotech and Medical Photonics“, sharing valuable insights from his own entrepreneurial experiences in the field.

Dr. Sanna Aikio (VTT) gave a thoughtful talk on “Soft Skills and Interdisciplinary Skills in Biotech and Medical Photonics“, emphasizing how collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key drivers of innovation.

Dr. Jussi Hiltunen (VTT) also shared valuable insights on: “Photonics careers in academia“, enriching the discussion with his expert perspective.

The event featured two rich panel discussions:

• The Academia Panel, consisting of Dr. Isaac Afara, Dr. Sanna Aikio, and Prof. Carsten Rockstuhl, explored diverse pathways in research and higher education.
• The Industry Panel, featuring Katja Lefevre, Jyrki Saarinen, and Maria Luukkainen, focused on the industrial trends.

Both panels brought together perspectives across sectors to help attendees navigate career decisions with clarity.

A special highlight was the Postdoctoral Testimonial Session, where postdocs shared real-life stories about building a career in research, navigating international opportunities, and balancing academic goals with industry potential.

The symposium also included technical talks, success stories and dedicated time for networking and informal interaction.

Over 70% of participants reported an increased interest in photonics and entrepreneurship. The event was rated a strong 4.5/5 overall.

Quotes from participants and speakers:

“Because of the networking opportunities and the sharing of experiences by senior professionals from both academia and industry, this event was extremely valuable.”

“There is a need for more events covering this domain to keep pace with its growth.”

“This kind of experience is exactly what we need to strengthen and improve collaboration between industry and academia.”

Organized by Photonics Finland as part of the EU-funded CARLA project, this symposium marks a major step in strengthening Finland’s role in health-tech photonics and empowering the next generation.

Let’s keep building a brighter future together!