The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light covers a wide range of research, including laser spectroscopy, quantum optics, nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, photonic crystal fibers, integrated optics, optomechanics, laser interferometry, quantum technologies, biophysics and – in collaboration with the Max Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin – the connections between physics and medicine. The MPL was founded in January 2009 and is one of over 80 institutes of the Max Planck Society that conduct basic research in the natural, biological, human and social sciences in the service of the general public.

Public event: Get to know our Support Association

On November 28, 2025, the second public event of MPL’s support association will take place. This event offers you the opportunity to learn more about MPL and MPZPM and our support association without obligation. Gain insights into how scientists work at our research center and what they are currently researching.

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Record attendance at the 2025 Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften at our locations

With 2,567 visitors, MPL and MPZPM set a new attendance record at the 2025 Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften (Long Night of Sciences). Until midnight, science enthusiasts took the opportunity to learn more about current research projects. The event took place at our locations as part of the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics.

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Nobel Prize in Physics: Cutting-edge research into quantum technology also in Erlangen

In the year of quantum research, three scientists from this discipline are receiving special recognition: they are being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. The researchers laid the foundation for the development of the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors. These topics are also being researched at MPL.

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MPL and MPZPM mourn the loss of Director Jochen Guck

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Jochen Guck, Director at MPL and MPZPM, where he headed the division “Cell Physics”. He passed away unexpectedly on October 3 after a serious illness.    Condolence book

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Ångström-scale optical microscopy deciphers conformational states of single membrane proteins

Despite decades of research, our understanding of the structure and function of proteins within the cellular environment remains limited. Scientists at MPL now show that optical microscopy under cryogenic conditions can resolve specific sites within the mechanosensitive protein PIEZO1 with Ångström precision.

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MPL Support Association highlights the interface between physics and medicine

On November 28, the MPL Support Association (Verein der Freunde und Ehemaligen des Max-Planck-Instituts für die Physik des Lichts e.V. ) hosted its second public event at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM). In addition to exclusive insights into the basic research conducted there,…

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MPL research group leader Nicolas Joly elected Optica Fellow

The international society “Optica” has named Prof. Nicolas Joly a Fellow for the class of 2026. Joly is head of the “Microstructured Optical Fibres” research group at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) and a professor at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg…

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Intelligent hydrogel microstructures enable the precise application of force to cellular systems

Within tissues, cells are embedded in complex, three-dimensional structures known as the extracellular matrix. Their biomechanical interactions play a crucial role in numerous biological processes. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) have now developed a novel…

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MPL press team

Please feel free to contact us if you require information about our institute, press photos, or background information for a press release. We can arrange for our scientists to be interviewed by your experts.

Edda Fischer

Head of Communication and Marketing
Phone: +49 9131 7133 805
MPLpresse@mpl.mpg.de

For further information about specific press enquiries or the latest press releases and pictures, please visit our press page.

Contact

Managing Director
Prof. Florian Marquardt


Please contact:
Anna Gesine Murphy (PA)
Email: marquardt-office@mpl.mpg.de
Phone: +49 9131 7133 401

 

Head of Infrastructure
Dr. Dorothe Burggraf

Please contact:
Lisa Spann (PA)
Email: lisa.spann@mpl.mpg.de
Phone: +49 9131 7133 801

Upcoming Events

Keren Bergman

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