Elite Factory in the Field of Optics & Photonics

Dr. Elisabeth Zuber-Knost
Press Officer

Kaiserstraße 12
76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
Phone: +49 721/608-2089
Fax: +49 721/608-3658

Dr. Judith Elsner
Managing Director
Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics

Phone +49 (0)721- 608 7881
www.ksop.de

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) strives for an excellent education of young people and their introduction to latest interdisciplinary research. The KSOP shows how this can be done: A few months ago, it started as a flagship of the KIT. Now, the graduate school is rapidly sharpening its profile as an international center for excellent research and education. 35 highly qualified young scientists are currently passing a program for Ph. D. students. In addition, a master studies course for 24 students per year will start in the winter semester 2007/08. The concept “is unique”, explains the coordinator, Professor Dr. Uli Lemmer: “It combines scientific, technical, and management skills as well as interdisciplinary know-how for successful industry and university careers in the field of optics and photonics.”

With the

the KSOP raises the exchange of ideas and knowledge in this new field of research to a world-class level. The first day of the symposium will include presentations by internationally renowned experts: Professor Dr. Eric van Stryland, former CEO of the Optical Society of America and Director of the College of Optics & Photonics CREOL & FPCE, Orlando/USA, will formulate fundamental ideas regarding this modern field of research. Professor Dr. Hyatt Gibbs from the University of Arizona/USA will talk about photonic materials and techniques and Hans-Georg Metzler from Daimler AG will focus on optical systems. On the second day, a fair for establishing contacts with industrial companies will take place in the entrance hall of the university’s refectory with companies like Volkswagen AG or Sick AG participating (Straße am Forum 4, building No. 01.13). It will also include a number of presentations on the future of optical technologies.

Journalists interested in more details will be given the opportunity to talk to Professor Lemmer or, on request, to a graduate, student or an industry partner on Monday, November 5, 11.45 hrs, in the entrance hall of the Studentenhaus. Please register not later than Thursday, November 01, by e-mail or phone +49 (0) 721/608-8153.

The KIT will be an institution of internationally excellent research and teaching in natural and engineering sciences. KIT shall attract the best experts from all over the world, set new standards in teaching and promotion of young scientists, and establish the leading European center in the field of energy research. KIT will assume a leading role in nanosciences worldwide. It is the objective of KIT to be one of the most important cooperation partners of industry.

Klaus Rümmele