The path towards a career in STEM focusing on light-related technologies Thanks to an EU initiative, a better trained workforce using the innovative potential of photonics will become a reality. Society © l i g h t p o e t, Shutterstock With applications in various industries, key enabling technologies (KETs) are at the forefront of efforts to create advanced and sustainable economies. KETs like micro- and nanoelectronics, nanotechnology, industrial biotechnology, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing technologies and photonics play a crucial role in tackling global challenges, driving innovation and stimulating economic growth. It’s essential for the workforce to acquire high-level skills to fully exploit the potential of KETs. With this vision at its core, the EU-funded PHABLABS 4.0 project has offered thousands of young women and girls the opportunity to explore the world of science, engineering, and photonics technologies. It has also addressed the issue of women’s under-representation in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering (STEM) in general. The programme involved a series of workshops and Photonics Challenger projects spanning 10 European countries. A news item on the project website notes that a total of 1 221 girls have attended the PHABLABS 4.0 initiatives since 2018. “The workshops have created novel and innovative problems for students to solve using lasers and photonics, the technology around the emission, manipulation and detection of light. Combining a ‘Fab Lab’ – or a fabrication laboratory - with the world of photonics, the workshops and Challenger Projects offer a glimpse into careers in photonics, engineering, computer coding, and robotics.” From artwork to infrared glove The tasks performed during the workshops included creating artwork using lasers, developing a hologram, modifying a cuddly toy with photonics and making an infrared glove that functions as a remote control. Three age groups took part in the workshops: the so-called young minds (10-14), students (15-18), and young professionals and technicians (over 18). One outcome of the PHABLABS 4.0 project was the publication of a new booklet. Project partners believe that the document ‘A Gender Balanced Approach’ could be used as a reference for attracting the interest of girls and young women in science and technology. In the same news item, Prof. Averil MacDonald from Women in Science and Engineering says: “We are delighted to be able to open a door into a world of science that some girls and young women may feel is closed. Girls and young women are more likely to consider studying STEM subjects beyond age 16 if they see that the subject keeps their options open.” Ending in May 2019, the PHABLABS 4.0 (PHotonics enhanced fAB LABS supporting the next revolution in digitalization) project capitalised on the growing awareness of photonics as an important innovation driver and a KET. Under PHABLABS 4.0 experts from European photonics institutes and STEM-oriented organisations teamed up with the Fab Lab stakeholders to organise workshops, projects and toolkits to enhance Fab Labs and Makerslabs with photonics activities. These were tested in existing Fab Labs with the objective of rolling them out to the entire growing network of European Fab Labs as a proven model. For more information, please see: PHABLABS 4.0 project website Countries Belgium