Special Events
21 - 24 April 2025
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Coronado, California USA

Event name | Monday, 21 April | Tuesday, 22 April |
---|---|---|
Lunch & Learn: Mastering Productivity, Time Management & Transferable Skills for PhDs | 12:00 - 13:00 | |
Exploring Emerging Topics in Biophotonics: The Role of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence | 18:45 - 20:30 | |
Sunrise Yoga | 06:00 - 07:30 | |
Congress Reception | 17:30 - 19:00 |
Lunch & Learn: Mastering Productivity, Time Management & Transferable Skills for PhDs
Monday, 21 April 12:00 - 13:00
Sovereign Room
PhD students often develop valuable skills that go unrecognized when transitioning to industry. This session will provide practical strategies to maximize productivity, manage time effectively and identify transferable skills that set PhDs apart in the job market. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming academic challenges, applying their expertise beyond academia and leveraging essential tools to thrive in their careers.
Speaker:
Caroline Boudoux
Agenda:
- 12:00 PM – Introduction (5 min): Why mastering Chapter 5 is key to PhD success and career transitions.
- 12:05 PM – Productivity & Time Management (10 min): Eisenhower Matrix, 80/20 Rule, avoiding procrastination, work-life balance and efficient writing.
- 12:15 PM – Transferable Skills (15 min): Problem-solving, project management, data analysis, communication, adaptability and teamwork—how they apply in industry
- 12:30 PM – Productivity Tools (10 min): Notion, Trello, Pomodoro, research documentation and accountability partners.
- 12:40 PM – Q&A & Closing (10 min): Open discussion and career planning resources.
Who Should Attend?
PhD students, postdocs, and researchers looking to improve time management, boost efficiency and confidently transition into industry roles.
Takeaway
Walk away with actionable strategies to enhance productivity, reduce stress and leverage your PhD skills for career success.
Exploring Emerging Topics in Biophotonics: The Role of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Monday, 21 April 18:45 - 20:30
Britannia
In the recent decade, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have played an increasingly transformative role in biophotonics by enhancing data analysis, interpretation, and optimization of complex imaging and sensing. This event, hosted by Optica Technical Groups, will bring together a diverse group of panelists for an open discussion on the emerging role of ML and AI in advancing technologies across the biomedical field. As an attendee, you will gain insights into ways we can utilize ML and AI in the biomedical field, including recent advances, novel applications, good practices, limitations and opportunities. Following the panel discussion, you will have an opportunity to network with your colleagues.
Please RSVP here to let us know you plan to join us for this exciting panel discussion.
Sunrise Yoga
Tuesday, 22 April 06:00 - 07:30
Sea Spa Terrace
Begin your day with a revitalizing sunrise yoga session, suitable for all levels. Enjoy light refreshments afterward as you embrace the tranquility of the morning.
Tickets can be purchased when registering for the meeting for USD 50.00.
Congress Reception
Tuesday, 22 April 17:30 - 19:00
Bay Terrace
Join fellow attendees for the congress reception.