Student Organization
In 2004, ICONS (ICFO Organization and Network of Students) was created by a group of motivated students as an umbrella organization for all ICFO Student Chapters. It is recognized and supported by Optica (formerly OSA), International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE) and European Physical Society (EPS).
Not only does ICONS aim to build and support the student experience within ICFO, it also ties ICFO Students to a larger international group of young scientists working to advance the understanding and science of light.
The ICONS Student Chapter promotes long term educational activities for students and helps to improve career opportunities by drawing them closer to the photonics community. An annually elected government spearheads the network’s activities which aim to intensify the interaction and collaboration of its members and between ICFO working groups. The organization of the chapter facilitates participation at all levels in order to achieve broad participation within the ICFO community.
ICONS ANNUALLY ELECTED BOARD (2025-2026)
President: Bianca Turini
Vice-President: Alejandra Padilla
Treasurer: Rebecca Hoffmann
Secretary: Roxana Wedowski
Communication: Valentina Gacha
Diversity and Inclusion Officer: Alberto Rodriquez-Moldes Sebastian
Bianca Turini
PhD Student
Being a scientist goes beyond working in a lab: it implies creating a community with shared values, reflecting on the role of science in society, and make our work available for the general public. For me, ICONS is the channel for achieving this goal.
Alejandra Padilla Camargo
PhD Student
Joining ICONS is a fantastic opportunity to develop essential skills and contribute to our ICFO community, simultaneously having fun and networking with great people.
Alberto Rodríguez-Moldes
PhD Student
Working in a lab can often feel isolating, but ICONS gives me a real sense of community. It’s about more than just connecting with others, it’s about making the workplace feel welcoming and turning everyone’s PhD journey into something less lonely.
Sidney Palardonio
PhD Student
With ICONS, I have seen people really grow! Getting involved is a great way to equip yourself and develop new skills and strengths.
Rebecca Hoffmann
PhD Student
Active participation in ICONS provides an invaluable opportunity to develop skills complementary to our PhD studies, all while also enjoying the experience.
Valentina Gacha
PhD Student
I‘ve found that ICONS provides an excellent avenue for honing soft skills and gaining a broader understanding of the PhD experience- definitely an eye-opener!
Contact the ICONS leadership team
ICONS Informational Flier