Phablabs 4.0

JOANNEUM RESEARCH is a business oriented provider of innovation and technology. It is linked to a worldwide network and has been providing leading research according to the highest international standard for more than thirty years. Focusing on applied research and technology development, the JOANNEUM RESEARCH plays a key role in transferring technology and know-how in Austria.

JOANNEUM RESEARCH is represented by its research group for Light and Optical Technologies of the MATERIALS Institute for Surface Technologies and Photonics. The institute is internationally recognised for its applied research in Light and Optical Technologies (SSL, PV, Simulation) as well as large scale micro and nanostructuring (roll-to-roll, laser lithograpy, step and repeat), laser processing or optical chemical / biosensing. The institute employs over 70 researchers.

The institute was also instrumental in setting up the Austrian National Technology Platform Photonics Austria which it manages to this day. Through this, it is involved in a range of outreach projects as well as being able to contribute to the work of the European Technology Platform Photonics21 through the EuroPho21 project.

In the PhabLABS4.0 project, JOANNEUM RESEARCH provides access to their broad expertise in photonics by teaching and supporting participants in their hands-on experience.

MATERIALS has been involved in photonics-related research for many years and knows the intricacies of designing and building physical devices. MATERIALS is especially present in the LED- and lighting sector. Besides its research and development activities MATERIALS is involved in a range of outreach activities through its involvement with Photonics Austria:
Teacher Training: Around 140 teachers all over Austria were reached through a teacher training initiative using the Photonics Explorer Kit (Photonics Austria is the local associated partner for the distribution of the kit). Teachers came from all levels of education ranging from preschool up to post-secondary non-tertiary education.

Long night of research: MATERIALS takes part in the national “Long night of research”. Target group is the general public with a specific focus on interactive stations as well as children friendly activities. This year’s focus is Photonics.

Childrens universities: Together with the Karl-Franzens-University in Graz, MATERIALS held a childrens university in July 2015. 22 children participated in this half day event.

Photonics Boot Camp, September 2015: Two intense workshop days at the Vienna University of Economics and Business have made 17 participants ready to become future Photonics entrepreneurs after attending the Boot Camp in the framework of the Photonics4All-project, jointly organised Photonics Austria and the Entrepreneurship Center Network (ECN).