Max Planck School of Photonics

16/10/2026

Today, the Max Planck Schools are joining the program of Tag der offenen Tür at Bildungscampus in Heilbronn! Come and join us for interesting experiments, escape games and VR experience!

12/10/2026

MPSP Alumni at a Glance: Thomas Arne Hensel

What can happen when you combine photonics, quantum physics, interdisciplinary research - and the freedom to explore ambitious ideas?

Thomas Arne Hensel, MPSP PhD Candidate from 2021–2025, took full advantage of the MPSP network to explore research beyond his original field.

🔬 During his time at MPSP, Thomas worked with Prof. Stefan Hell at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen. His research journey took him from inertial sensing with quantum gases to a PhD on diffraction-unlimited resolution of identical point scatterers using freely propagating waves.

And his journey didn't stop with his PhD in 2025. Today, Thomas is a postdoctoral researcher, has co-founded a startup, secured funding through the Max Planck spinoff initiative “Maximize” and an EXIST startup grant, and received the 2026 German Thesis Award for his doctoral research. Next up? A new scientific direction in quantum physics as a Schmidt Science Fellow. ⚛️

💡 His advice to the next generation of MPSP PhD Candidates?

“Do not be afraid to pursue ideas at the boundaries between disciplines.”

Talk to researchers outside your field. Visit different groups. Explore. Ask questions. And choose your scientific environment as carefully as your research topic.

Because sometimes, the most exciting discoveries happen at the boundaries. ✨

09/10/2026

⏰ Reminder: First MPSP Q&A Session is coming up!

Still have questions about the application process? Wondering if the Max Planck School of Photonics is the right choice for you?

💬 Join us and ask anything!

📅 October 16, 2026
🕐 1 p.m.
💻 Via Zoom
Please register at: https://photonics.maxplanckschools.org/608127/q-a-sesssions-2026

Bring your questions — we’ll bring the answers! 🔬✨

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

Who is joining us on MPS Day today?

08/10/2026

🔬✨ Science you can see, touch, and experience!

Join the Max Planck Schools Max Planck School Matter to Life, Max Planck School of Cognition, and the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research at the Tag der offenen Tür at Bildungscampus Heilbronn, and discover the fascinating world of cutting-edge research!

💧 Watch oil and water turn into an emulsion
🌈 Make light reveal a world of colours
🧠 Explore how our brain creates depth and makes decisions
⚡ Test your reflexes and challenge your cognition
🔐 Solve our Photonics Escape Game and stop Dr. Dark from sabotaging the Nobel Prize ceremony!
🥽 Dive into a VR training for SEM operations and explore the world of micro- and nanostructures

Whether you're a curious science fan, future researcher, or simply up for a challenge — come by, experiment, and discover what science has in store!

📍 Bildungscampus Heilbronn
📆 October 16, 2026 at 3—8 p.m.
🔬 Max Planck Schools & Max Planck Institute of Medical Research

Thanks to CampusFounders for hosting us at GRAVITY!

06/10/2026

✨ Recap of the MPSP Autumn School 2026!

One week in Karlsruhe, packed with cutting-edge photonics, inspiring research, hands-on workshops, and career insights. 🔬💡

From lab tours at Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) and discussions on AI in research to scientific writing, career perspectives, and plenty of opportunities to connect — our MPSP community came together to learn, exchange, and grow.

Different backgrounds. Different perspectives. One photonics community. 🌟

Want to read the full recap? https://photonics.maxplanckschools.org/614335/Autumn-School-2026

05/10/2026

Explore the world of Photonics at the Abbe School of Photonics at Universität Jena!

🎓️The MSc Photonics is a two-year, all-English Master’s degree course offering multidisciplinary coverage in the field of optics and photonics. Located in Jena📍 , a renowned hub for optics and photonics, the program combines fundamental scientific concepts with application-oriented photonics engineering, preparing students for careers in both scientific research and industry.

🔬Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art photonics laboratories and can specialize in key educational areas by selecting specific elective modules.

🌐As part of the Max Planck School of Photonics, students also become part of a broad scientific community connecting them with PhD candidates and Fellows across Germany. They also receive an attractive stipend!

Ready to take the next step in photonics✨️?
Discover the M.Sc. Photonics program: https://photonics.maxplanckschools.org/546005/Study-Phase-Until-2025and apply by 1st of December!

28/09/2026

MPSP Alumni at a Glance: Emma Brambila Tamayo

✨ Looking back on her MPSP journey, Emma reflects on a time of scientific growth, new perspectives, and experiences that continue to shape her career today.

From November 2020 to October 2025, Emma was part of MPSP in Jena, where she was supervised by Prof. Andreas Tünnermann. Her PhD research focused on the undetected photons technique: analysis of novel parameters for the practical imaging and characterization of spatial quantum correlations.

But her MPSP experience was about more than research. One of the things Emma valued most was the opportunity to build lasting connections with colleagues working on fascinating optical technologies — following their progress, sharing practical advice, and learning from each other's experiences.🤝

Today, Emma continues her journey in research as a Research Associate in the Quantum Superresolution group at Fraunhofer IOSB in Ettlingen. While her current research has evolved beyond her PhD topic, it remains closely connected to quantum science and optics.

💡 Her advice to current and future MPSP students?

“Do your best, but remember to enjoy the journey, not just the science.”

Emma also encourages students to look beyond publications and formal achievements: build your network and develop skills beyond your scientific expertise because when applying for jobs, a well-rounded skill set can make a meaningful difference.

18/09/2026

💡 Questions about applying to the Max Planck School of Photonics? Join one of our Q&A sessions, get your questions answered, and find out if MPSP is the right fit for you! 🔬✨

📅 Q&A Sessions:

Friday, October 16, 2026 — 1 p.m.
Friday, November 6, 2026 — 9 a.m.
Friday, November 13, 2026 — 6 p.m.
Friday, November 20, 2026 — 3 p.m.
Friday, November 27, 2026 — 12 p.m.

Come by, ask away, and get ready to apply! 🚀

More information and registration can be found at https://photonics.maxplanckschools.org/608127/q-a-sesssions-2026