2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics (formerly known as the EngD Centre or the Industrial Doctorate Centre (IDC)). Since the first student enrolled in 2001, more than 200 students have joined the Centre, and there have been over 140 graduates to date.
We are delighted to announce that Physics Nobel Laureate Professor Donna Strickland will deliver the keynote address at the CDT in Applied Photonics 25th Anniversary Conference.
The conference will take place on Wednesday 24th June 2026 at the James Watt Centre, Heriot-Watt University.
Please note that registration closes on Friday 15th May 2026.
Conference programme
| Coffee, registration, and poster set-up | |
| Welcome | Dr Bill MacPherson, Director, CDT in Applied Photonics |
| Origins of the CDT | Prof. Julian Jones (Centre Founder & Heriot-Watt University Senior Deputy Principal) |
| Keynote Address – Nobel Laureate Lecture | Prof. Donna Strickland |
| Research poster pitches | Year 2 CDT in Applied Photonics students |
| Systems Engineering poster pitches | Year 1 CDT in Applied Photonics students |
| Morning break | |
| Oral presentations | Year 3 CDT in Applied Photonics students |
Lunch and Year 1 and 2 students poster viewing | Years 1 and 2 CDT in Applied Photonics Students |
| Fireside conversation | Prof. Donna Strickland |
| Oral presentations (continued) | Year 3 CDT in Applied Photonics students |
| Afternoon break | |
| Panel discussion | Year 4 CDT in Applied Photonics students |
| Concluding remarks, and prize giving | |
| Evening reception | Conference delegates and CDT alumni |
