We are the next generation.
Recognizing and fostering excellence in students and early-career professionals who will be the change-makers in optics and photonics.
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We support students with financial resources and connections.
We launch early-careers into successful careers with essential skills and recognition.
We partner with organizations to address global challenges and cultivate future innovators.
Highlights

Milestone
Donate to the Optica Foundation today.
As we approach the season of giving, there’s no better time to support the Optica Foundation in its mission to advance optics and photonics worldwide.

Early Career
Meet the 2025 Ambassadors
The Optica Foundation announces ten exceptional early-career members who will serve as the 2025 class of Optica Ambassadors.

Event
IONS+, supercharge your Optica conference experience
IONS+ is a unique opportunity for students attending our Congresses to gather together before joining the full event. This allows them to build a network of stu
US$2.9M
invested in training & support
10,900+
students, scientists, engineers, innovators and technologists impacted by our programs
1,000+
engaged as reviewers, committee members, mentors and donors
US$0
spent on overhead operating costs
Stories

Fellowships
Hear from the 2024-2025 Deutsch Fellow
OPN spoke with Milana Kendrisic, a research fellow at the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, USA, and the 2024-2025 Deutsch Fellow.

Early Career
Journeys in Optics: Alejandro Velez-Zea
OPN spoke with Alejandro Velez-Zea, an assistant professor at the University of Antioquia, Colombia, where he previously received his bachelor’s degree.

Ambassadors
Ambassadors and Chapters Driving Optics Education and Career Advancement
"Ambassadors and Chapters Driving Optics Education and Career Advancement" is an OPN blog post by Ana Karen Reyes.

Students
Celebrating the Legacy of the Siegman School
Optics and Photonics News highlights the impact and future of Anthony Siegman’s namesake program on its 10th anniversary.

Scholarships
Building a global network of women scientists and engineers.
"Standing in our potential" by Janet Fender is a blog post on the inaugural Optica Women Scholars Conference

Students
Advancing a career with community support.
Maimuna Nagey, Creighton University, USA tells us how participating in the Amplify Optics Immersion Program changed the course of her career in optics.

Thank you to our donors.
For additional questions about the Optica Foundation, feel free to reach out to us.
Tax ID: (EIN) 71-0913500
Contributions to the Optica Foundation, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible as provided by law. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES (800-435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION.
Address:
Optica Foundation
Global Headquarters
2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
USA
Phone: +1. 202.416.1441
Fax: +1.202.416.1450
Email: foundation@optica.org