Invited talk at the Complex Nanophotonics Science Camp
On 2nd August, Lia spoke at the Complex Nanophotonics Science Camp – a multi-day meeting that brings together researchers from across the diverse subdisciplines of nanophotonics.
In this year’s edition, Lia was invited to take part in an evening discussion with Timmo van der Beek on the subject of academia vs industry. Like Lia, Timmo has also recently made the switch from being an academic researcher to a tech start-up founder.
In 2016, Timmo founded his company, Laboratoire Laser Afrique (LLA), which is based in Tunisia and is developing light-based solutions to agricultural challenges in Africa. LLA is currently focusing on photonics technology for early detection of plant diseases and pests, for automatic irrigation systems and to use solar energy to harvest atmospheric water.
At the science camp, Timmo and Lia discussed the challenges and opportunities of working in industry and compared it with life as an academic researcher, advising the attendees on how to decide which path is right for them.
The camp is aimed at early-career scientists working in nanophotonics. It was established in response to the field branching into many diverse subdisciplines, from biophotonics to quantum nanophotonics, and becoming a cornerstone of numerous interdisciplinary research areas.
The event aims to be a lively and stimulating exchange of ideas, with evening debates, poster sessions and plenary lectures given by experts. It is sponsored by University College London, the University of Exeter, the UK Metamaterials Network and the Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation.
