Advancing Photonics Through Collaboration: Best Practices from the IEEE Photonics Sweden Chapter

Best Practice

The IEEE Photonics Society Sweden Chapter had another busy and impactful past year, supporting innovation, research, and collaboration in the field of photonics. From awards recognizing outstanding PhD theses to engaging events that brought together professionals and students alike, here’s a summary of the chapter’s 2024 best practices and initiatives.


Celebrating Excellence: IEEE Sweden Chapter’s 2024 Awards

One of the standout contributions of the Sweden Chapter was the announcement of the IEEE Best PhD Thesis Award in Optics/Photonics, which recognized Max Karlsson, Ph.D. for his exceptional work on metal halide perovskites. Karlsson’s thesis, titled “Dynamics in Blue Emitting Metal Halide Perovskites for Light Emitting Diodes”, was recognized for its significant contributions to understanding the dynamic processes affecting perovskite materials. The findings are expected to advance the development of perovskite-based devices, particularly light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The award granted is valued at 10,000 SEK. Prof. Philippe Tassin, Chair of the Award Committee, praised Karlsson’s ability to clearly communicate the complex concepts associated with the stability issues found in perovskite-based devices. This recognition not only highlights Karlsson’s achievements but also his potential to inspire future PhD students. In addition to the award, Karlsson was also honored with the prestigious Oseen Medal 2024 by the Swedish Physical Society.

At the Optics and Photonics in Sweden (OPS-2024) conference, held on November 6-7 in Gothenburg, the Sweden Chapter presented its Best Poster Award. The Chapter has been supporting this award at OPS since 2016. This year, 29 posters were presented, showcasing innovative research in optics and photonics. The Best Poster Award was given to Pantea Dara, a PhD student at Chalmers University of Technology, for her research on “Directional Marangoni flow induced by laser heating of amorphous silicon nanodisks.” Her work demonstrated how laser heating could precisely control fluid flow dynamics, contributing to advancements in microfluidics and sensor applications.

Moreover, Best Poster Distinctions were awarded to Javier Tello Marmolejo from the University of Gothenburg for his work on “Revealing the Fano Combs in Mie Scattering”, and to Martin Brunzell and Adrian Vågberg from KTH Royal Institute of Technology for their research on a backward wave optical parametric oscillator targeting CO2 absorption lines.

In a similar vein, an IEEE Best PhD Thesis Award 2024 was organized by the Chapter, recognizing a recent PhD graduate whose research has made a significant contribution to the field of optics and photonics. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced in early 2025. These awards serve as important milestones for emerging leaders in photonics research, supporting the development of the next generation of innovators in the field.

Photonics Insights and Collaboration at OptoPub

In December 2024, the Sweden Chapter also sponsored an OptoPub event in Kista/Stockholm, in collaboration with PhotonicSweden. This successful gathering brought together over 30 professionals for a day of dynamic networking and insightful presentations. Key highlights included a talk by Prof. Scott A. Holmstrom from the University of Tulsa on Photonic Integrated Circuits for Sensing, Dr. Elena Vasileva from Ansys, who discussed Innovations in Optics and Photonics Solutions, and Dr. Lennart BM Svensson from PhotonicSweden, who provided an update on PhotonHub Europe and its New Funding Rates.

Photo Credit: Qin Wang

The event offered a platform for industry experts, researchers, and students to engage in thought-provoking conversations about the latest trends and technologies in optics and photonics. Attendees were not only able to benefit from the engaging presentations but also participated in lively discussions, sharing insights and forging valuable collaborations across academia, industry, and research sectors. These interactions provided a great opportunity for participants to expand their networks and explore potential partnerships in both research and development. The event emphasized the growing importance of photonic technologies in various applications, from sensing and communications to advanced manufacturing.

Celebrating the Nobel Prize 2024: IEEE Women in Photonics Event

At the end of 2024, in support of IEEE Women in Photonics the Sweden Chapter celebrated the Nobel Prize in Physics, held at RISE in Kista. The event spotlighted the groundbreaking contributions to artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly in the development of neural networks. Anastasiia Andriievska from RISE presented details on the Nobel-winning work, providing an in-depth overview while also discussing related AI and neuroscience projects, including the EU EBRAINS project, which explores supercomputing and neuromorphic solutions in neuroscience.

Photo Credit: Qin Wang

This hybrid event attracted inclusive attendees, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for thought-provoking discussions. Participants enjoyed insightful talks alongside coffee and cinnamon buns, making for an enjoyable and collegial environment. The event not only highlighted the importance of the Nobel Prize-winning research but also celebrated the pivotal contributions of women in photonics and the broader scientific community. It served as a valuable platform to reflect on advances in AI and machine learning, while also promoting inclusivity and inspiring the next generation of women scientists in photonics.

Best Practice Highlight: Quarterly Newsletter

The chapter upheld its tradition of issuing quarterly newsletters, a best practice that ensures members stay informed about the latest developments and opportunities within the Swedish photonics community. The newsletter provided regular updates on a range of topics, including:

  • Recent PhD theses in optics and photonics from Swedish universities, keeping members informed about cutting-edge research and innovations.
  • Information on upcoming IEEE Photonics Society Distinguished Lecturers, offering access to world-class expertise and insights.
  • Job opportunities in photonics and related technologies, helping members discover new career prospects and professional growth.
  • Highlights of member labs, departments, and companies, along with valuable resources in photonics, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

This newsletter not only serves as an essential communication tool but also promotes engagement within the community. By regularly updating members on key events, research, and career opportunities, it ensures that individuals remain connected and informed. The Sweden Chapter’s commitment to providing such updates exemplifies a best practice for maintaining a dynamic, well-informed network of professionals, ensuring members are always at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of photonics.


Looking Ahead

In 2024, the IEEE Photonics Society Sweden Chapter made notable progress in advancing the field of photonics, both locally and globally. By prioritizing the recognition of emerging talent, supporting groundbreaking research, and encouraging collaboration between academia and industry, the Chapter has solidified its role as a major contributor to the development of photonics technologies. With exciting opportunities and initiatives on the horizon, the Chapter’s leaders look forward to an even greater impact in 2025, continuing to shape the future of photonics research and innovation.