Tyndall National Institute and IPIC the Research Ireland Centre for Photonics, are proud to announce the launch of the Women in Photonics Ireland & UK Lecture Series, a new initiative dedicated to empowering women as they progress from early-career researchers to established leaders in photonics. The underrepresentation of women at senior levels in STEM is not a numbers issue but a pipeline issue, with many talented women leaving the field due to lack of visibility, mentorship, and support, compounded by limited travel and networking opportunities.
This lecture series aims to address these challenges by spotlighting the work of inspiring women across Ireland and the UK, building a strong and supportive network across career stages, and sharing experiences, career journeys, and practical advice for progression.
The series began with an online meeting involving partners from universities across Ireland and the UK, where participants mapped out key actions and exciting next steps. Plans include building a speaker community, initially focusing on postdoctoral researchers, emerging leaders, and early-stage industry professionals, with expansion over time.
Lectures will run in a hybrid format, accessible to both in-person and online audiences. Industry speakers will be engaged to broaden opportunities for workshops, internships and hands-on activities. Collaboration with existing seminar series at the host institution and alignment with major conferences will further enhance visibility, with in-person events remaining especially valuable for networking and lab visits. Looking ahead, the initiative will grow beyond lectures to include a mentoring programme.
Stay updated by joining the dedicated LinkedIn group or register your interest here.
