Project updates given by German Speaker Isabelle Staude
Annual Meeting 2025
A Truly Transcontinental Exchange
Project updates given by German Speaker Isabelle Staude
Image: A. Späthe/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, 2 postdocs, and 26 doctoral candidates who investigate active metasurfaces.

Highlights

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News in Meta-Active

    • Life
    Writing Retreat in Bad Sulza

    Time to Focus
    Productive work at the writing retreat
    Image: Sebastian Klimmer / Meta-Active
    • Light
    • Life
    Welcoming Our Newest Talents

    6 doctoral students joined Meta-Active
    Our newest young scientists were welcomed by their peers in Meta-Active
    Image: Sebastian Klimmer/Meta-Active
    • Light
    • Life
    Exploring Physics – Workshop for Schoolgirls at the University of Jena

    Workshop for schoolgirls at the Faculty for Physics and Astronomy
    Group picture of the participants
    Image: Jana Hölzer
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!

  • digital postcard
    Image: Meta Active / Min Jiang
    Greetings from Min
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IRTG 2675 Meta-Active

Institute for Solid State Physics - Red House
Helmholtzweg 3
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

German Partners

  • Logo Abbe Center of Photonics
  • Logo Fraunhofer IOF
  • Logo Leibniz IPHT
  • Logo DFG

Australian Partners

  • Logo Australian National University
  • Logo TMOS
  • Logo ANFF