TAILORED METASURFACES - GENERATING, PROGRAMMING AND DETECTING LIGHT

Logo Meta-Active

Graphic: IRTG Meta-Active

International Research Training Group (IRTG) Meta-Active

Bridging Continents for Advanced Research

Welcome to Meta-Active! This collaborative initiative brings together the expertise of the Friedrich Schiller University (FSU) in Jena, Germany, and the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia.

The German segment of the IRTG 2675 is generously funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), supporting our commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and fostering international collaboration.

A Collaborative Scientific Network

Meta-Active stands as a dynamic scientific network, comprising of numerous senior scientists and their dedicated doctoral students. These scholars delve into individual projects aligned with the overarching topical scope of META-ACTIVE. Beyond their research pursuits, doctoral students also undergo tailored education, participating in specialized courses and lectures. This comprehensive approach extends to honing core academic skills, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for success in academia.

Schematic picture of optical metasurfaces with the functions of generating, programming and detecting light

Image: Isabelle Staude

What are Metasurfaces?

Two-dimensional arrangements of designed nanoscale building blocks that offer exquisite control over the properties of light fields. Meta-Active's mission is to pioneer research in active metasurfaces.

Meta-Active members at the annual meeting 2023

Image: IRTG Meta-Active

Who is Meta-Active?

Together with our partners at the ANU, we are a team of over 60 researchers. Currently, in Jena we are 13 senior scientists, 4 postdocs, and 16 doctoral candidates who investigate active metasurfaces.

Highlights

Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

PhD students Paul Herrmann (left) and Sebastian Klimmer at a laser test setup.

Spotlight on joint project with our PhD candidatede

Read more about the work of our doctoral candidate Sebastian Klimmer which was highlighted be the Uni Jena News team (only German).

News in Meta-Active

1 December 2023 · Light

TMOS conference in Australia

More than ten researchers from the Jena Meta-Active team travel to the annual TMOS conference.

Advertisement of the Meta together conference

Image: TMOS

1 December 2023 · Light

Date is set for Annual Meeting 2024

The members of Meta-Active will meet in September 2024 in Jena

Audience of Meta-Active Annual Meeting in lecture hall

Image: IRTG Meta-Active

28 July 2023 · Light

Meta-Active welcomes new cohort

6 new doctoral students in Jena

group picture of the Meta-Active doctoral candidates with speaker Prof. Staude and coordinator

Image: Anna Späthe

All short news

Dual-Degree Programme with ANU Canberra

Our doctoral candidates have the option to pursue a dual degree, combining Meta-Active's academic strengths at the Friedrich Schiller University with the research environment at the Australian National University. During this program, candidates spend a minimum of twelve months working alongside their Australian supervisor, engaging in advanced research.

While spending an extended period abroad presents challenges, it also provides a unique opportunity for personal and academic development. This experience offers more than just formal education—it shapes researchers with a global perspective and a broad network.

The dual-degree program of Meta-Active is designed to offer a practical exploration of international collaboration, providing candidates with the tools to navigate a global research landscape.

Postcards from our doctoral candidates down under

We are encouraging our travelling doctoral students to share their impressions of their long time abroad with the team. Find some digital postcards below!

Image: Meta Active / Min Jiang