Last 6 – 8 July 2026, Phortify’s partner ICFO (Castelldefels, Barcelona) hosted the “Be Part of Phortify” workshop, offering participants an immersive introduction to photonics research, innovation, and career opportunities. Over three days, attendees engaged with researchers, explored state-of-the-art laboratories, and discovered the many pathways available within the photonics ecosystem.
The activity was joined by five female STEM students, four of them selected through the Phortify Pilot Grants initiative, representing a diverse and international cohort from Belgium, Turkey, Morocco and Italy. Their participation reflects Phortify’s commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion and equal access to opportunities in photonics, while helping talented students and early-career researchers expand their scientific and professional networks.
The event began on Monday, 6 July, with a welcome session and an introduction to ICFO. Participants then visited several research laboratories, gaining first-hand insight into cutting-edge photonics research. The afternoon featured an interactive workshop about outreach, including sessions focused on science communication and public engagement.
On Tuesday, 7 July, attendees took part in a dedicated Lab Day, joining ICFO research groups to experience how it feels to be part of Phortify and ICFO for a day. Through this activity, the participants could have a first-hand glimpse of the daily work of researchers and explore the technologies and scientific challenges being addressed through photonics. The day concluded with a group discussion and reflection session, allowing participants to share experiences and insights gained throughout the programme.
The final day, Wednesday, 8 July, was focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and career development. Participants attended a workshop on innovation and the Business Model Canvas, held by Dr. Sergi Ferrando Margalet (Technology Transfer at ICFO). In the afternoon, they joined the participants of the ICFO program “Be an ICFOnian for a day” to gain a broader perspective on the many career paths available in photonics beyond academia through talks, discussions with researchers, presentations on opportunities at ICFO, and a visit to an ICFO spin-off company. The event concluded with a networking session bringing together participants and members of the ICFO community.
The participants have highlighted the importance of events such as “Be part of Phortify”:
“The biggest benefit I gained from participating in the Be part of Phortify program was a completely new perspective on what a career in science can be.”
“I was benefitted by “Be part of Phortify” by getting a better idea of the different career paths in STEM, that it’s not really a linear path that you have to follow.”
“As a woman in science, I found it very encouraging to see Phortify and ICFO creating an environment where women are supported and inspired to pursue their own paths.”
By combining laboratory experience, outreach activities, innovation training and networking opportunities, Be Part of Phortify embodies the project’s mission to inspire, support and empower the next generation of photonics professionals, above all women and the underrepresented genders. The event provided a unique opportunity to experience world-class research in photonics while building connections with researchers, innovators and peers from across Europe.
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