The CDT in Applied Photonics hosted the SUSSP81 Summer School in Photonic Sensing and Metrology for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Stirling from 7th-15th June 2025. This unique event brought together brilliant minds to explore how cutting-edge photonic technologies can address global challenges—from clean energy and climate action to sustainable industry and healthcare innovation.

We hosted an incredible array of speakers who delivered engaging and insightful sessions. Our thanks go to all of them – Jian Jin, Sarah Bohndiek, Justus Ndukaife, Greg Rieker, Damien Weidmann, Stephanie Loeb, Farnaz Mohsenpour, Yann Amouroux, Alison MacLeod, Martin Lavery, and Gordon Robb. Our special thanks also go to our main sponsors, SUSSP and Optica, for their generous support in making this event possible.

Several of the CDT’s alumni also contributed to the event – Natalie Flaherty, Adam Sroka, and Leonardo Del Bino shared their inspiring journeys beyond the CDT and offered invaluable insights into life after graduation, while Adam Polak delivered a thought-provoking talk on bridging the “innovation valley of death”.

The week was also packed with social events, during which we saw our students reunite ith each other, and form new bonds with attendees from outside our centre. Many memories were made and we look forward to the next time!

Please see here for more information about our summer school: SUSSP81