Current Program

Workshop Program Spring 2026

Every Lichtwerkstatt workshop is free of charge and open for everyone. 
To register for a workshop, please send us a quick informal email with your name and background!

• Hands-on Introduction to Lightsheet Microscopy
  5pm-8pm, January 8th 2026, SR1 Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena
  This workshop offers an accessible introduction to light sheet microscopy (LSM)—a powerful imaging technique that enables fast, high-resolution, and low-phototoxicity visualization of biological samples in three dimensions. Participants will explore the fundamental principles of light sheet illumination and detection, understand its advantages over conventional fluorescence microscopy, and gain hands-on experience using an open-source Light Sheet Microscope (LSM) developed by openUC2. The session will demonstrate how modular, affordable optical components can make advanced imaging methods widely accessible for education and research. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped with both theoretical insights and practical skills to implement and adapt light sheet microscopy in their own laboratories or teaching environments.

• Design and Creation of Pop-Up Cards with a Lasercutter
  5pm-8pm, January 15th 2026, SR1 Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena
  In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the art and engineering behind pop-up card design while learning how to use a laser cutter to bring their creations to life. After a brief introduction to the principles of paper mechanics and digital fabrication, attendees will design their own pop-up structures using simple vector design tools. Guided by step-by-step instructions, participants will then cut and assemble their cards, discovering how precision cutting can transform flat paper into dynamic, three-dimensional works of art. The workshop combines creativity, design thinking, and digital making—perfect for anyone interested in blending craft and technology through laser-cut paper art.

• Introduction into 3D-Printing
  5pm-8pm, January 22nd 2026, SR1 Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena
  This workshop provides a beginner-friendly introduction to 3D printing, guiding participants through the entire process from digital design to physical object. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of additive manufacturing, explore different types of 3D printers and materials, and gain practical experience in preparing and printing their own models. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, participants will understand key concepts such as slicing, print settings, and troubleshooting common issues. By the end of the session, they will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to start creating and prototyping their own 3D-printed designs.

• Whuuuiiiuuoooouuuuiiiiiiooooohhhhhiiiiuuuu... We build a Theremin!
  5pm-8pm, January 27th 2026, SR1 Abbe Center of Photonics, Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, Jena
  Theremin—the iconic, touchless electronic instrument that produces sound through the movement of the player’s hands in electromagnetic fields. The session introduces the basic principles of electronics, sound generation, and frequency modulation, while guiding attendees step by step through assembling and tuning a simple theremin circuit. Along the way, participants will gain insights into analog signal behavior and the science behind this unique instrument’s eerie, expressive tones. By the end of the workshop, everyone will walk away with a functional theremin and a deeper understanding of the playful intersection between physics, music, and DIY electronics.