Where Are They Now? A Look at Past Winners of PicoQuant’s Student Award

"It is not just another conference – it is a place where early-career scientists are truly heard, and where connections last beyond the event."

Susana Rocha, Associate Professor, KU Leuven, Belgium

 

The Student Award at PicoQuant's Single Molecule Workshop has been an important step in the careers of many young researchers. But what happened next? In a series "Where Are They Now?", we highlight former award winners, from those shaping the future of science to those making an impact in industry and beyond.

Susana Rocha – From Student Award Winner to Associate Professor

Susana Rocha was awarded the Student Award at the Single Molecule Workshop in 2007 with her wonderful talk on "Hopping and Scooting: Watching Single Molecule Enzymes at Work". Looking back, she recalls how the workshop provided not only a platform to present her research internationally for the first time but also a welcoming and inspiring scientific community. In the following Q&A, she reflects on her experience and shares advice for young researchers.

Q&A with Susana Rocha: How the Single Molecule Workshop Shaped My Journey

What did the Single Molecule Workshop offer you as an early-career researcher?

"The Single Molecule Workshop was the first international conference where I had to present my research, early in my PhD. I remember feeling both nervous and excited, but what stood out the most was the welcoming atmosphere. Despite being surrounded by leading experts in the field, it felt like joining a close-knit scientific family."

Was there a special experience or highlight from the workshop that stayed with you?

"Receiving the Student Award was a defining moment. It boosted my confidence and reassured me that I was on the right path toward becoming a professor. Years later, whether as a participant or speaker, returning to PicoQuant always feels like coming home."

Why would you encourage other young researchers to participate?

"For any young researcher, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to present to experts in a setting that is both rigorous and friendly. It is not just another conference – it is a place where early-career scientists are truly heard, and where connections last beyond the event."

Where is she now?

Today, Susana leads the Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Lab at KU Leuven. Her research focuses on developing imaging tools for three-dimensional cell models and designing nanomaterials for gene and drug delivery. She is particularly interested in understanding how cells interact with their environment and how this knowledge can be applied to improve health outcomes.

 

Cédric Begon – From the First Student Award Winner to Head of Digital Innovation at Chanel

Cédric Begon was the very first recipient of the Student Award in 1999, together with his coworker H. Rigneault, for an excellent talk on "Spontaneous Emission Control and Detection of Biological Markers". Reflecting on the workshop, he recalls how it provided a unique opportunity to present his research at an early stage and connect with experts in the field. 

Where is he now?

Today, Cédric Begon is Head of Digital Open Innovation and New Services Design at Chanel. He works at the intersection of technology, consumer experience, and innovation, shaping the future of digital services in the luxury industry. His career path demonstrates how scientific thinking and problem-solving skills can be successfully applied beyond academia.

Celebrating Past Winners and Their Achievements

In addition to Susana Rocha and Cédric Begon, the Single Molecule Workshop has also recognized many outstanding researchers over the years. One of these is Katrin Heinze, now a professor at JMU Würzburg, whose work continues to inspire new generations of scientists. Another notable winner is Philip Tinnefeld who was awarded the Student Award in 2001 (picture). Since then, Philip has become a leading figure in the field of fluorescence and single-molecule research. He will be returning to the workshop this year as an Invited Speaker, showcasing the ongoing connection between the workshop and his scientific journey.

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Student Award Application

This year, PicoQuant celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Single Molecule Workshop, taking place in Berlin from September 23 to 26, 2025. The Student Award at the Single Molecule Workshop offers a unique opportunity for young researchers to showcase their work to a global audience. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit their contributions until April 16, 2025.

Registration and abstract submission >

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30th International Workshop on “Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Super-resolution Microscopy”

September 23 – 26, 2025
Berlin, Germany
Deadline for abstract submission: April 16, 2025
Deadline for registratrion: August 15, 2025

www.single-molecules.org