In 2006, several European Student Chapters of OPTICA (formerly the Optical Society of America) decided to collaborate on their research and outreach activities. Getting to know other young scientists on a professional and personal level, discussing science, visiting international research centres, and expanding their personal horizons by visiting other countries were the main ideas driving this international effort.
IONS connects you with people from around the globe, all actively engaged in optics and photonics. While ordinary scientific conferences focus strongly on just one particular topic in optics and are rather impersonal, IONS conferences focus on you. Present your latest results to fellow young scientists from across optics during the scientific sessions, discuss, and get informed about other young scientists’ cutting-edge research projects. Your chapter’s activities are at the centre of a whole session at IONS, giving space to discussions about educational outreach activities and more with fellow student chapter members.
For the next IONS conference in your region, check out the section on your continent, and become part of IONS, https://www.optica.org/en-us/get_involved/students/ions/.