The dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of excellence in the fields of optics and photonics are among SFO’ s core missions. A key driver for addressing these priorities is education and training. At the European level, the most visible of our initiatives is undoubtedly the thematic schools aimed at PhD students and early-career researchers. These are, in particular, residential schools organised in partnership with the renowned École de Physique des Houches. Each year, an international thematic school is held there, focusing on a fascinating cutting-edge topic, where participants have the privilege of attending lectures delivered by leading scientific figures. SFO is also delighted to have been associated with the 360 CARLA Career Symposium & Training in Photonics, organised by EOS in Grenoble last March. SFO is actively involved at many other levels thanks to the significant work carried out by the Education Commission whose mission is to encourage, support and promote all types of initiatives aimed at advancing the teaching of optics in France. The LightBox kit is one of its flagship initiatives, in close partnership with AtoutSciences Association. This educational kit is made available to teachers at all levels, trainers, facilitators, associations and student societies. Last but not least, the starting five-year LUMIFORM national programme, funded by France 2030 plan( Compétences et Métiers d’ Avenir), aims to support and assist teachers for photonics education at operator and technician level, as well as to develop initiatives designed to make the photonics sector more attractive to students. This project is built around a rich and diverse consortium, fully illustrating the complementary roles of academic, voluntary and industrial stakeholders. Through all these initiatives, SFO has set itself the mission of helping to attract the brightest, most innovative and most visionary talents in order to ensure academic, scientific and technological excellence in the fields of optics and photonics in France and Europe.

François Salin, Antoine Godard, Philippe Grangier Presidents of SFO

EMILIANO DESCROVI President of the European Optical Society

In a time marked by global uncertainty, EOS is placing greater emphasis on the education of young people and on strengthening collaborations beyond the EU. In March, the 360 CARLA Symposium and Training, organized by Patricia Segonds( EOS Past President), David Ferrand, Nathalie Destouches and a highly dedicated team at the Institut Néel in Grenoble, brought together more than 150 participants. The atmosphere was informal yet focused, with young researchers moving between scientific discussions and conversations about career paths and opportunities in industry. A highlight was the talk by Anne L’ Huillier, which stood out not only for its scientific value but also for the enthusiasm and inspiration she conveyed to the young audience. The effort was carried out in collaboration with the French Physical Society and SFO. Looking ahead, the next major milestone will be the EOS Annual Meeting 2026 in Tampere this August, chaired by Goëry Genty, Juha Toivonen, Jyrki Saarinen, and Ignacio Moreno, with the support of Photonics Finland, Tampere University, and the PREIN Flagship. The program is broad, with 8 topical meetings, 5 focused sessions and several tutorials, alongside a strong line-up of plenary speakers including Hui Cao, Daniele Faccio, Fedor Jelezko, Donghyun Kim, and Polina Bayvel. Worth recalling the participation of Anne L’ Huillier as an invited guest of excellence. A plenary session will be dedicated to education pathways in EU, from Erasmus and Marie Skłodowska-Curie schemes to newer initiatives such as Phortify. EOSAM will also feature a joint session co-organized with the Optical Society of Korea. This June, EOS is co-organizing a session on light-responsive polymers at the Light Conference in Changchun, China, supporting the Light Publishing Group and the Chinese Optical Society. Stay updated with EOS activities through our website and social media, where news, events, and opportunities from across the optics and photonics community are regularly shared.

Emiliano Descrovi, Professor at the Politecnico di Torino, President of EOS

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