A group of PhD students from UQ’s School of Physical Sciences have sparked a new network of young researchers interested in optical and laser sciences.
The UQ Chapter of the Optical Society of America (OSA) hosted the inaugural Conference on Optics and Laser Applications (KOALA) at UQ from November 17-21.
Fifty students from across Australia and New Zealand took part in the event that aims to provide young researchers with the opportunity to begin building a professional network and present their research to a peer audience.
"It was great to take time out from my studies to meet with like-minded students,” said Sebastian Schnelle, President of the OSA UQ Chapter and PhD student.
“I believe everyone got a lot out of the conference and are looking forward to next year's in Sydney.”
KOALA 2008 invited two speakers to address the delegates—national speaker Professor Andrew White from UQ and international speaker Associate Professor Brian Anderson from The University of Arizona.
AFW Technologies sponsored a poster presentation awarding Sascha Hoinka from Otago University with a cash prize for his poster on exploring ultracold Hetero-Nuclear KRb systems.
Delegates also had the opportunity to explore some of Queensland’s most beautiful tourist destinations including a hike through the stunning Gold Coast hinterland and surfing at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.
Students attending the conference also presented their research to their peers covering a range of topics.
Organisers of the conference included Sebastian Schnelle, Sarah Midgley, Michael Garrett, and Leif Humbert.
The conference was the largest of its kind, with 50 delegates from across Australia and New Zealand attending.
The OSA Chapter at The University of Sydney will host the 2009 KOALA conference.
Media: Lynelle Ross, Communications and Marketing Officer (07 3346 9935 or l.ross@sps.uq.edu.au) or for more information about OSA visit www.osa-uqchapter.org
