On 8 July 2025, the Cambridge Graphene Centre (CGC) joined researchers, engineers, and start-ups from across the silicon photonics community at the CORNERSTONE User Day 2025, held in Southampton. Organised around the theme “User-Led, Future-Focused,” the event brought together both experienced users and new collaborators exploring the possibilities of open-access silicon photonics prototyping.
Eight representatives from the Cambridge Graphene Centre, including postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, took part in the event. They engaged in talks, workshops, and networking sessions, learning about the latest advances and sharing experiences from their own projects.
The day featured keynote speaker Dr Katharine Schmidtke and covered a full programme including:
Quickfire user case studies showcasing real-world applications
Interactive forums on process development kits and fabrication
Workshops on ANSYS simulation tools (for C-PIC members)
Insights into start-up support and accelerator programmes
The event also provided valuable opportunities to connect with the wider CORNERSTONE community, including policy engagement discussions and informal networking.
Reflecting CGC’s commitment to staying connected with leading technology platforms, participation in CORNERSTONE User Day helps strengthen collaboration channels and supports the development of new photonic device technologies involving graphene and related materials.