On July 2 and 3, 2026, the workshop “Future Key Areas in Laser-Based Surface Engineering” took place at the IOM in Leipzig. Forty participants came together at the Permoserstraße Science Park for the event, including researchers from Germany and across Europe.

The goal of the workshop was to bring together experts in the field of laser-based surface engineering and to provide an open environment for discussing current developments, new ideas, and future research priorities. Topics coverd included laser-material interaction, laser micro- and nano-machining, self-organized processes, and hybrid laser-based methods.

The workshop was organized by the “Ultra-Precision Surfaces” department (led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Arnold), mainly by researchers Dr. Pierre Lorenz and Dr. Martin Ehrhardt, as well as students from the “Laser-Assisted Micro- and Nanostructuring” research group.

The first day of the workshop began with participants arriving and registering, followed by two plenary lectures that kicked off the technical program. Prof. Dr. Bärbel Rethfeld from the Technical University of Kaiserslautern spoke on the topic “Modeling ultrafast laser-matter interaction: from initial energy deposition to surface modifications.” Markus Traxler from Carl Zeiss Jena then delivered his presentation titled “From Process Understanding to Scalable Finishing: ZEISS Strategies for Next-Generation Laser-Based Optical Fabrication.” This was followed by a laboratory tour at the IOM and a group dinner buffet, during which discussions continued in smaller groups.

The second day also focused on professional exchange. Following a brief introduction by the IOM’s Scientific Director, Prof. Dr. Benjamin Dietzek-Ivanšić, several sessions took place featuring presentations by speakers from academia and industry on future priorities in laser-based surface engineering.

The workshop demonstrated once again how important direct exchange is between different disciplines, career levels, and institutions. In an open atmosphere, current issues were discussed, valuable contacts were made, and new ideas for future collaborations were sparked.