Current Program

SPECTRAL DIALOGUES Tinker Night

Nov 14th/15th 2026 at Abbe Center of Photonics, Jena
Let’s imagine we put engineers and researchers together with artists, designers, and creators in a box and shake it well for 24 hours. What might we observe when we open it afterward? In November 2026, we invite interested and active participants from both disciplines to the Abbe Center of Photonics in Jena to dive into current research topics and find inspiration for future artworks and science communication concepts. This collaborative event is organized by the Interface Design ProfessorshipExternal link at Bauhaus University WeimarExternal link and Lichtwerkstatt, the Open Photonics Makerspace at Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
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Workshop Program Winter 2026

• Lasercutters for prototyping
  Nov, 3rd 2026, 5pm to 8pm, SR1 Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena
  Turn your ideas into tangible physical products fast. This hands-on Lasercutting for Prototyping workshop is tailored specifically to help the attendees bringing product concepts from ideas into the real world. Learn how to quickly move from low-fidelity cardboard mockups to precise, professional prototypes using vector graphics software and laser cutters. Whether you need a functional enclosure, a branded display piece, or a physical proof-of-concept for your pitch, this session gives you the tools to iterate rapidly.
  More information and RegistrationExternal link
  
  
• 3D Printers for Prototyping
  Nov, 10th 2026, 5pm to 8pm, SR1 Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena
  Transform your digital designs into tangible physical products fast. This hands-on 3D Printing for Prototyping workshop bridges the gap between digital models and real-world physical products, helping students turn raw ideas into market-ready concepts. In this practical session, you’ll learn how to navigate the entire additive manufacturing workflow from initial CAD sketch to a finished, physical object. Whether you are building functional mechanical components, custom ergonomic enclosures, or an impressive visual prototype for an innovation pitch, this workshop arms you with the tools to iterate rapidly and minimize costs.
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• Wichtelwerkstatt
  25. November 2026, 17:00 - 20:00, SR1 Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, 07745 Jena
  Tauche ein in die zauberhafte Welt der Weihnachtswichtel kombiniert mit modernster Maker-Technologie! In diesem kreativen High- Tech-Workshop nutzen wir 3D-Drucker und Lasercutter, um präzise, individuelle und magische Miniatur-Welten für die Adventszeit zu erschaffen.Ob filigrane Wichteltüren, kleine Möbel, winzige Schlitten oder detailliertes Zubehör – erstelle deine eigenen digitalen Entwürfe und sieh zu, wie Laser und 3D-Drucker deine Wichtel-Ideen im Miniaturformat zum Leben erwecken. Der Workshop verbindet digitale Fertigung mit kreativem Handwerk und Nachbearbeitung.
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• PCB Design with KiCAD
  Dec, 3rd 2026, 5pm to 8pm, SR1 Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena
  Take your electronic circuits from messy breadboards to professional, production-ready hardware. This hands-on KiCad PCB Design for Prototyping workshop guides you through the complete workflow of designing custom printed circuit boards using the industry-standard, open-source software KiCad.
  Whether you're developing custom sensor boards, IoT hardware, or sleek enclosures with integrated electronics for a pitch presentation, this session equips you with the skills to turn schematic ideas into manufacturable physical boards.
  More Information and RegistrationExternal link

Upcoming Workshops 

• Beep! Bup! Beeup! Reading Weather Satellites
  t.b.a Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena
  
  
• Molding and Casting 3D Prints
  t.b.a. Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena