Student Photonics Spotlight is a 2-day conference organised by students for students taking place on 27 to 28 September at Paderborn University. The focus of the conference is on increasing student engagement, scientific exchange, while providing students networking opportunities with peers and industry. 

SPS2026 covers a broad range of topics related to quantum systems, such as quantum photonics, integrated optics, quantum information and science, quantum system modelling and design, and more.

The conference provides not only opportunities to highlight student research, but aims to facilitate research and professional exchange. Additionally, participants will take part in a half day communication workshop focussing on scientific presentation skills, which will allow them to improve their transferable skills.

The deadline to register and submit an abstract is 21 August, 2026 at 23:59. Due to low capacity for oral presentations, local students do not need to submit an abstract to participate in the conference. External students must submit an abstract. Registration is free and open to Master’s and PhD students. Acceptances will be sent out in the last week of August. If students intend to also participate in [QPS2026], they must register and submit an abstract separately.

For external Master’s students, a limited number of travel subsidies will be provided. Please indicate if you need financial assistance during registration. The final subsidy amount will depend on the number of students applying. At this time, we are unable to provide financial assistance for external PhD students. As this is a satellite event, [QPS2026] conference fee subsidisation is not possible.