You’re warmly invited to an intimate Fireside Chat, on behalf of the Te Whai Ao Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies.

Hema Sridhar Deputy Director, Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures

Professor John Dudley is a renowned physicist and Professor of Physics at Marie and Louis Pasteur University in France. During his 35-year career he has made major contributions to the field of optics, published more than 270 journal articles, delivered numerous international lectures on science communication and led initiatives such as the UNESCO International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015. His accolades include the French National Centre for Scientific Research Silver Medal and the 2020 Optical Society of America R. W. Wood Prize.

Photonics: The Two-Way Street Where basic research and breakthrough innovation light the way forward

Join us for a relaxed yet insightful conversation exploring how fundamental science in photonics drives real-world innovation and how innovation, in turn, inspires new discoveries.

Location: Level 1, BNZ Place1 Whitmore Street, Wellington

Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Time

4:30 pm Registration and networking

5;00pm Welcome Prof Frederique Vanholsbeeck Director of Te Whai Ao -Dodd-Walls Centre

5:10pm Fireside chat

Facilitator: Hema Sridhar

Prof John Dudley

5:30pm Q&A with the audience

5:50pm Networking

7:30pm Close

Contact the host of Photonics: The Two-Way Street