FINLAND
TRAINING PROGRAM multidisciplinary, it currently offers no dedicated photonics courses. LUMA Centre Finland is a national STEM network of 13 university‐based centres. It inspires young people in STEM and supports teacher development from early childhood to higher education. Appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture for 2025 – 2028, it promotes equitable, research‐based STEM education through study visits, teacher training and pedagogical innovation. Reaching about 400,000 learners and educators annually, LUMA works with schools, universities, industry and international partners. Its StarT initiative is a recognised project‐based learning model. In Joensuu, the local LUMA centre runs the Light for Families event with PREIN and UEF.
FysNet and EduQ FysNet unites university physics educators to develop a joint national study offering with high‐quality online and hybrid teaching. It shares best practices across 15 thematic groups, including one on optics and photonics, e. g. creating an optical design course. EduQ, part of Institute Q( the Finnish quantum institute), coordinates master’ s and PhD‐level education in quantum science by combining partner programmes and offers open resources such as QPlayLearn and MOOCs, with planned courses on quantum optics. communications and related technologies, helping companies address skill gaps.
DISCUSSION Photonics plays an increasingly important role in Finnish vocational and higher education, especially at universities. With Finland’ s technology sector expected to need around 13,000 new experts annually— many in photonics‐related roles— the need to strengthen photonics education is clear. In the EU, photonics underpins major Finnish growth sectors such as digitalisation, manufacturing, healthcare, environmental monitoring and emerging quantum technologies. As reliance on optical solutions increases, so does demand for expertise. Photonics also drives advances in precision sensing and next‐generation computing. Expanding photonics education would help address skills shortages, support innovation and maintain competitiveness. Although light‐related topics appear in early science education, photonics remains largely invisible as a coherent field. Clearer links between content, applications and study pathways would raise awareness, increase interest and support university recruitment. Teacher training and curriculum development are critical, as national curricula guide practice even with strong teacher autonomy.
AI is transforming photonics learning through adaptive tools, automated design and data‐driven optimisation, but expert knowledge remains indispensable: accurate modelling, meaningful problem‐setting and interpreting results still require human judgement, and core skills— experimental intuition, understanding light – matter interactions and making informed design choices— cannot be automated. Across Europe, education systems and the adoption of AI‐enhanced tools vary, so integrating photonics should follow nationally tailored approaches while benefiting from European cooperation. To turn laboratory innovations into scalable applications, education must align research, industry and digital competencies, and emphasise interdisciplinary skills that combine photonics with data science, machine learning and systems engineering, grounded in strong physical understanding. Within this context, Finland can build on its strengths— flexible curricula, research‐based teaching and strong industry links— while integrating computational and AI‐assisted tools into studies. By developing strategies tailored to national needs yet aligned with European objectives, Finland and other countries can cultivate experts capable of leading, rather than merely adapting to, future technological change.
Phortify – European photonics network between degree programmes Phortify, launched in 2025, is a European photonics education initiative linking universities, research organisations and industry. It harmonises training across seven Master’ s programmes, with UEF among 12 partners. Through shared curricula, short modules, mobility and recognised certification, Phortify provides up‐to‐date skills across the photonics value chain, including integrated photonics, optical
Figure 3. Two photonics engineering students wearing the distinctive overalls that serve as the student association ' s informal uniform. Photo: Niko Jouhkimainen, UEF.
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