Subject: Polish Newsletter on Optics and Photonics – September 2026 – candela

Polish Newsletter

on Optics and Photonics

edition #58 (September 2026)

Hello!

September marks a clear return to the fast pace of academic life, events and new initiatives. In this issue, we write, amongst other things, about the successes of Polish researchers, developments in quantum technologies, new opportunities for young people planning a career in optics and photonics, and further key events on the autumn calendar.

We are particularly pleased that QRSY are back after the summer break, and with it, a space to familiarise ourselves with quantum technologies. Autumn is also a good time to develop your skills, meet people from the industry and actively engage with the community.

We invite you to read this issue and help shape future editions!

candela team

Michał Parniak awarded an ERC Starting Grant

Michał Parniak from the University of Warsaw has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant for the QURA project. The team will use Rydberg atoms as extremely sensitive ‘quantum antennas’ to detect microwaves, millimetre waves and terahertz waves, with potential applications in areas such as 6G, radar and astronomy. Congratulations on this success! (photo: M. Kaźmierczak / University of Warsaw)

QRSY are back after the summer break

Following the summer break, QRSY is back – an initiative by the Candela Foundation designed to help people become familiar with quantum technologies. The recent MSPO demonstrated just how rapidly the importance of quantum solutions is growing in the fields of security, communications and modern technological systems. This is a good time to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of this field. We invite you to take part in the October edition of QRSY!

Join Fiber Laser Days 2026

The Candela Foundation is pleased to invite you to the Fiber Laser Days, taking place on 28–29 October 2026 in Gliwice. The programme includes live demonstrations of fibre lasers, laser welding and cleaning (both automated and manual), 3D metal printing, expert talks, and networking opportunities between academia and industry.

Events

QRS Poziom pierwszy, Warszawa

4 OCTOBER 2026

11th Workshop on Physics and Technology of Semiconductor Lasers, Toruń

18-22 OCTOBER 2026

[candela PRO] Akomodacja – diagnoza, trening i wsparcie w praktyce optometrycznej, Warszawa

24 OCTOBER 2026

Fiber Laser Days, Gliwice

28-29 OCTOBER 2026

AI in Material Science Summit (AIxMAT), Warszawa

24-26 NOVEMBER 2026

more events icon

Job board

Postdoctoral researcher

CFT PAN

Optical Design Engineer

Pulsa Optics

QKD expert

Orange Polska

Maria Cywińska is a finalist in the "Polityka" Science Awards

Maria Cywińska from the Warsaw University of Technology has been named among the 15 finalists of the 26th edition of the ‘Polityka’ Science Awards. She has been shortlisted in the exact sciences category as one of three finalists in this field. The winners of the main prizes will be announced on 18 October. Congratulations on this honour!

zdjęcie ekranu komputera na którym wyswietlane sa dane medyczne

Resonators Workshop

The Candela Foundation invites not only programme participants but also students and young people planning a career in optics and photonics to the ‘Resonators 2026’ workshops. This is an opportunity to develop soft skills, better prepare for research and project work, and meet people who are at a similar stage in their journey. We invite you to take part – participation is free of charge, and selected participants may apply for support covering travel and accommodation

New Optica Senior Members from Poland

Łukasz Sterczewski and Mateusz Szatkowski from Wrocław University of Science and Technology have been named 2026 Optica Senior Members. This status is awarded to individuals with significant professional, scientific or organisational achievements in the field of optics and photonics. Congratulations on this honour

Gekko Photonics in the Luminate programme

Wrocław-based Gekko Photonics has been selected for the 9th edition of Luminate NY – one of the most important accelerators for companies developing optical, photonic and imaging technologies. Participation in the programme is intended to support the company’s expansion into the US market and the further commercialisation of its technology.

Do you have something interesting to share?

Research highlights

Nine spots at once – a new way of examining the cornea

Researchers at ICTER have developed a system which, following a single puff of air, simultaneously tracks corneal deformation at nine points, at a rate of 100,000 readings per second. The method enables the detection of local biomechanical asymmetries and may aid in the early diagnosis of keratoconus. (Photo: Depositphotos)

publication icon

A blue laser that operates at room temperature

Polish scientists have launched a blue laser based on a gallium nitride nanostructure, utilising the so-called quasi-BIC – a state that ‘traps’ light very effectively, whilst allowing a small portion of it to escape as a laser beam. The device operates at room temperature, emits strongly polarised light and can be tuned within the 440–460 nm range. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

publication icon

Do you know something worth sharing in the newsletter?

We are collecting information about optics and photonics community in Poland. The newsletter is created in close collaboration with the local community. If you want to share with us something interesting, newsworthy – please contact us by sending an mail to newsletter@candela.org.pl