Event motivation
Photonic sensing technologies are essential tools for addressing critical challenges in environmental monitoring and healthcare. This workshop explores the latest advances in photonic-based sensing systems, focusing on their applications for real-time detection, analysis, and mitigation of environmental pollutants and health biomarkers. Key topics include the development of optical sensors for air and water quality monitoring, compact spectroscopic systems for early disease diagnostics, and integrated photonic platforms for wearable health monitoring.
The Empa-Akademie is located on the Empa campus, which can easily be reached by bus (bus stop Dübendorf-EMPA), Tram (Tram stop Dübendorf Am Ring) or by train (10-minute walk from railway station Dübendorf).
Please note that the number of toll parking spaces on the site is limited. We therefore strongly recommend traveling by public transportation.
Details and options to reach Empa can be found here.
Organizational information
Tuesday,30.09.2025
11.00 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.
Empa – Academy
Überlandstrasse 129
8600 Dübendorf
Program:
-
11:00
Laboratory tours / optional
- Laser spectroscopy for trace gas analysis and air quality monitoring station
- Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory & Coating Competence Center
- NEST & move demonstrators
12:00
Lunch / optional
13:00
Welcome Coffee
13:30
Welcome
Frank Nüesch, Empa
Tobias Lamprecht, SIH13:45
Integrated Nanophotonics: Enabling Technology for Life Science and Biomedical Applications
Hatice Altug, EPFL14:15
Photonic sensors for transcutaneous biomarker detection
Jean-Christophe Blancon, Liom14:30
Label-Free Biosensing with Grating-Coupled Interferometry for Drug Discovery
Berk Yesin, Malvern Creoptix14:45
From Light to Life: PPG-Based Wearables for Continuous Vital Sign Monitoring
Philipp Vetter, Rheo15:00
Coffee break
15:30
Exploring boundaries: environmental trace gas sensors for mobile platforms
Béla Tuzson, Empa16:00
How traditional process photometry enables new applications
Yves Gubelmann, Sigrist Photometer16:15
From Light to Insight: Continuous Methane Monitoring for GHG Reduction
Hedwig Knötig, Sensirion Connected Solutions16:30
Advanced light scattering solutions to accelerate new product formulations
Gora Conley, LS Instruments16:45
From Light to Life: Advanced Metrology’s Photonic Pathways into Life Science
Jean Berney, CSEM17:00
Closing
David Schmid, CSEM17:10
Aperitif and networking
18:30
End of the event
