The invitation to the event came from the board of the association, which includesProf. Florian Marquardt, Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar, Dr. Dorothe Burggraf, Prof. Heinrich von Pierer, Dr. Siegfried Balleis, and Dr. Flore Kunst. It was the first time that the association, which was founded in March, presented itself to a wider audience. Guests not only gained insight into the association’s aims and values, but also learned about its planned projects. The varied program also offered interested visitors the opportunity to learn about the benefits of membership and talk to those responsible.

Cutting-edge research needs a strong network

Networking among scientists and promoting young researchers are two important prerequisites for excellence in research. Researchers also depend on people from outside the scientific community who are interested in their work and committed to supporting them. 

For this reason, the non-profit “Verein der Freunde und Ehemaligen des Max-Planck-Instituts für die Physik des Lichts e.V.” was founded on March 5, 2025. It sees itself as a point of contact for friends and supporters of MPL who wish to actively support MPL. The purpose of the association is to promote the research activities of MPL and its public presence. “Our research institute attaches great importance to presenting our topics in a way that is understandable to a wider audience. After all, public acceptance depends on the added value of fundamental research being explained in a comprehensible manner,” explains Prof. Florian Marquardt, Managing Director of MPL and first chairman of the association.

Want to understand quantum sciences? No problem with Prof. Marquardt!

A special highlight of the public event was Prof. Marquardt’s keynote speech. Entitled “100 Years of Quantum Science,” he covered everything from the beginnings of quantum physics to current developments and future challenges in quantum research.

Afterwards, the institute’s laboratories opened their doors to visitors. Prof. Birgit Stiller offered insights into her work on quantum optoacoustics. Dr. Cornelia Holler welcomed another group to her lab, where the MicroKiss technology she has developed is used to deliver biological reagents to single cells in a quantifiable and controlled manner. 

The evening concluded with a festive dinner in the institute’s courtyard, where guests and MPL scientists had the opportunity to network in a relaxed atmosphere. In the future, events of this kind will be reserved exclusively for members of the association – another good reason to join. All information on registration can be found here.

About the speakers and lab tour leaders

Prof. Florian Marquardt is the managing director at MPL and leader of the “Theory” Division.

Prof. Birgit Stiller is leader of the research group “Quantum Optoacoustics” at MPL.

Dr. Cornelia Holler is PostDoc in the Division “Nano-Optics” of MPL director Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar.

Photos: © MPL, Elisabeth Offial