As part of Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), the Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies (SAOT) acts as an interdisciplinary hub for research on photonics and optical technologies in Erlangen. SAOT provides an Education Program of Excellence for national and international doctoral candidates, including Workshops, Seminars, and Academies. Furthermore, SAOT increases the Scientific Outreach to the general public and coordinates Joint Applications on research funding in the fields of photonics and optical technologies.