LumeNet 2012: Sheffield

There were 41 students (from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, USA, and the UK) who presented the methodology of their work for review by invited senior researchers – Peter Boyce, Jens Christoffersen, Steve Fotios, Kevin Houser, John Mardaljevic, Mike Pointer, Jennifer Veitch and Stephan Voelker. Comments received from the students and reviewers show the general feeling that it was a worthwhile and constructive event.

Wednesday morning started with a presentation from Peter Boyce, Thursday morning commenced with a discussion of research publication.

The reviews were carried out in small groups. Students presented their work for review led by two senior researchers. An aim of LumeNet was to provide sufficient time for discussion, sadly lacking at many conferences, and thus each student was allocated approximately one hour for their review. A further aim was to encourage participation in discussions: an issue where further encouragement is still needed.

Networking is an essential part of conference meetings. We met initially on the Tuesday evening for a delicious vegetarian buffet from Blue Moon café. Wednesday evening we went to the Milestone, a restaurant just a few minutes’ walk from the University that specialises in locally sourced food. And for those who waited following the meal, Jemima led a guerrilla lighting display!

Future events are being planned. This hopes to include a daylight-focussed meeting in Copenhagen in 2013, and a broader lighting focus in Berlin in 2014. PhD students at an early stage in their research are advised to attend.

Finally, I must say thanks to VELUX, Thorn Lighting, Zumtobel Lighting and the Society of Light and Lighting for sponsoring LumeNet 2012. With their support it was possible to avoid a registration fee, which appears to be a barrier to attendance at some events.

Sponsors