Funding Support for Optica Events

Optica Events connect our global community. We strive to find ways to recognize and support our meeting attendees from around the world. To help minimize financial barriers and ensure the best components of an Optica Event — learning, connecting and sharing — are accessible to all, we have established the following funding opportunities for Optica Members.

Optica Student Paper Competition

These competitions are hosted at most Optica Congresses and stand-alone Topical Meetings. The award recognizes the contributions of the next generation of scientists and encourages future engagement with the community.  Award recipients receive a free registration to be applied toward a future Optica Event of their choice.

Individuals opt-in for consideration during the submission process — specifying the meeting for which they intend to present. The paper must be presented by an undergraduate or graduate student.

Finalists are selected during the Technical Program Committee review process. These individuals are evaluated at the meeting when they present their papers. Award winners are selected based on paper content quality, presentation skills and overall value to the technical community.

Registration Waivers for Emerging Economies

We offer free, waived registration for any Optica Member or presenter who resides in a country designated as a  Tier 1 emerging economy by the World Bank. Registrants are encouraged to attend the meeting in person; however, he/she may also participate remotely in select meetings that offer the on-demand option.

In addition, Optica also offers reduced membership rates for emerging economy countries.

Learn more. >

Family Care Grants

Grants of up to USD 500 per family, per calendar year, are available to assist Optica Members who need to bring family members or who incur extra expenses if leaving them at home (e.g., extra daycare or babysitting services, dependent care, etc.), or need assistance at a meeting due to a disability.

Learn more or apply for a Family Care Grant. >

Note: Grant recipients are solely responsible for their choice of care provider. Optica does not endorse any care providers.

Optica Foundation

In addition to the above opportunities, the Optica Foundation offers a variety of scholarships, grants and fellowships as we strive to actively cultivate the next generation of optics and photonics leaders.

Learn more about these opportunities and how to apply. >