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.
Make a gift
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
Prizes
Guillermo Sanchez recognized as the 2024 Kaminow Prize Winner.
Recognized for his dedication to fostering a global community of optics researchers through impactful local science education and outreach.
Events
Speakers confirmed for the upcoming 2024 Career Accelerator in Potsdam.
Meet the line-up of speakers from across the photonics industry for the first Career Accelerator in Germany.
Prizes
Celebrating Michael Müller as the inaugural Gapontsev Prize Winner.
Celebrated for his pioneering research in ultrafast fiber lasers, achieving record power and developing innovative techniques with significant potential.
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
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
Pursuing a career in Subsea
"A Career in Subsea: The Final (Fiber) Frontier" is an OPN blog post by Julie Raulin.
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.
Student Chapters
Creating a professional home for the next generation.
2004 Optica President Eric Van Stryland offers background on his engagement with student chapters and the foundation during his career.
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
