In my undergraduate years, a teaching assistant in my physics lab sparked my enduring passion for integrated optics, a passion which has persisted for 20 years.

My current role includes leading a research group, writing grant proposals, and mentoring students. Additionally, I teach multiple courses, serve on the examination board, and coordinate a physics master’s track.

When I started at Vrije Universiteit, I didn’t have much financial support, and there was no cleanroom for my integrated optics research; I almost gave up. Then, a colleague and I developed a simple way to make our own microchips. We got $35K in funding, turned our idea into a startup, Rapid Photonics, and raised $450K in private investment plus a $500K soft loan. This success taught me the power of doing more with less and remains a highlight of my career.

Securing funding or getting published in top journals often seems to rely more on networking than on the quality of your work or ideas. I strongly oppose such injustices and always stand up against them: I have reached out to journal editors and filed complaints with funding organizations. Many of my friends say it’s a waste of time, but if we all give up and stop questioning, nothing will change. At least, I find peace knowing I have spoken up.

As scientists, we seek to comprehend nature. Nature doesn’t care about gender, religion, nationality, or age. It has no agenda. Similarly, scientists should remain unbiased and focused on discovering the truth. My advice to young girls and boys is to focus on the joy of discovering something new or understanding how things work; always maintain a sense of curiosity and innocence. True scientists are those who remain humble, quietly achieving without the need to boast about their accomplishments. Take them as your role models.
Less can indeed be more.

In my lab, we build setups with minimal financial investment but plenty of knowledge and passion. Success in science doesn’t rely solely on costly equipment — my startup company proves this. In my group, we welcome individuals from diverse and often discriminated nationalities. We have shown that impact comes from our intellect and dedication, not our race, nationality, religion, or gender. This is the legacy I aim to leave behind.

Imran Avci
Associate Professor in Experimental Physics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Founder, Rapid Photonics
Born in Turkey / Resides in the Netherlands
Educational Background: BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, MSc in Physics,
Bilkent University, Turkey; PhD in Physics, University of Twente, the Netherlands