Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany, is opening a graduate research school of photonics. The program, which will focus on biophotonics, lasers, and optical materials and systems, will run from 2008 to 2013. Twelve three-year scholarships, worth a total of €311,000, are being offered to students from Germany and abroad. Half of the scholarships were provided by Carl Zeiss AG, Jenoptik AG and OptoNet eV, all based in Jena. Students will write their doctoral theses at the school and will be trained in project, quality and personnel management skills. They also will be offered training in the presentation of research results at international events.