The MPL conducts basic research on all aspects of the interaction of light and matter, ranging from modern optics and photonics to quantum effects and their applications in the “real” world. In addition to the departments of the three MPL directors Prof. Jochen Guck, Prof. Florian Marquardt and Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar, 15 independent research groups and two technology development and service units are based at the MPL. With the support of the association, the institute has another powerful instrument at its disposal to sustainably promote scientific exchange between scientists across this broad spectrum of topics. To this end, the association will organize regular events which serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among scientists. “The support of our friends in the region and our alumni has always been very helpful for our institute and the researchers working here. The newly founded association will now create an even better basis for fruitful exchange,” says Prof. Florian Marquardt, Managing Director of the MPL. “I am looking forward to many new encounters and ideas.”

In addition to professional exchange, the association aims to raise public interest in the scientific topics of the MPL and to promote a general understanding of research and science. “Our institute makes a significant contribution to basic research in many areas related to the science of light. It is very important for us to make this visible outside the scientific community and thus strengthen the public's trust in our work and our institute,” says Dr. Dorothe Burggraf, Head of Administration of the MPL. “I am very happy about the foundation of the association and the immense benefit for both sides, the public and us.”

The founders of the new association

The inaugural meeting of the association will be held on March 5 at 10:00 a.m. at the MPL. The founding members are the managing director and vice managing director of the institute, Prof. Florian Marquardt and Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar, as well as Dr. Dorothe Burggraf. Together they form the board of the new association. Further founding members are the founding director of the MPL, Prof. Gerd Leuchs, as well as Dr. Siegfried Balleis, former Lord Mayor of Erlangen, and Prof. Heinrich v. Pierer, former CEO and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Siemens AG, who have been members of the MPL Board of Trustees for many years.

After the official founding, membership will be open to all interested parties. Members will benefit from exclusive insights into the MPL’s research activities, receive personal invitations to special events, and be informed regularly about ongoing scientific developments via the MPL newsletter. More information will be available soon on the website www.mpl.mpg.de.