Will the twenty-first century be the age of optics? Will we be able to overcome the current limitations in designing and manufacturing optical devices at the microscale? Researchers will discuss these and other questions in an interdisciplinary and intergenerational context in Hannover. Initiated by Leibniz University Hannover, the new networking event will be held every two years focusing on a different topic each time. Under the slogan “Connecting Talents Across Generations” the event brings together Alexander von Humboldt award winners and young researchers from Germany and abroad. The programme encourages interaction and includes scientific forums as well as opportunities for sharing experiences, networking and discussing topics relevant to career development.