Friedrich Schiller University founds graduate research school of photonics
November 21, 2007, Jena, Germany--To promote the future careers of young scientific graduates in the field of optics, the Friedrich Schiller University is establishing a graduate research school focused on biophotonics, lasers, and optical materials and systems.
The optical industry based in Jena helped to initiate the founding of this institution of the Friedrich Schiller University and played a key role in its promotion. The companies Carl Zeiss, Jenoptik, and OptoNet e.V. supported the school by financing scholarships totaling 311,000 euros. Additional funds are being provided by the federal state of Thuringia.
The Graduate Research School of Photonics at the University of Jena, which will operate from 2008 to 2013, is an important element in the training of up-and-coming scientists in the field of photonics, according to University-President Dr. Klaus Dicke.
"This magnificent support will allow the University of Jena to expand research and teaching in the field of photonic technologies and provide industry with urgently needed specialists," he said. "Particularly in light of the upcoming 450th anniversary of the University, this joint initiative of industry, science, and the state of Thuringia is a further example of a functioning public-private partnership in Jena."
Students from Germany and abroad can apply for the doctoral scholarships for the summer semester in 2008. The scholarships are valid for three years. A total of 12 scholarships will be offered, of which three are being financed by Carl Zeiss and two by Jenoptik. One scholarship is being funded by OptoNet as a representative of mid-sized and small companies in Thuringia.
Industry's need for specialist graduates in the field of optics and photonics has grown enormously. Industry in Jena will play its part in structuring the graduate teaching program in order to ensure that its own future staff receives targeted, highly qualified training.
"We need a strong optics base and must further sharpen this focus on Jena as an industrial site," said Frank Einhellinger, CFO of Jenoptik. "In addition to the quality of the cooperation with research, the speed at which we turn research results into actual products will become a key competitive advantage in the future. Therefore, promoting top-class, young scientists in the fields of laser technology, optics and optoelectronics is of decisive importance for us."
Jenoptik has collaborated closely with the School of Physics and Astronomy of the Friedrich Schiller University since 2004.