The Gapontsev Prize for Innovations in Fiber Lasers provides recognition and funding for early-career professionals engaged in exciting and innovative projects with the potential to make a meaningful and positive impact on the science and applications of fiber laser technologies.

In honor of Valentin Gapontsev's groundbreaking work, this award champions emerging researchers passionate about advancing fiber laser technology. By empowering early-career talent, it fosters the potential for groundbreaking innovations and real-world applications. Recognizing the ciritcal role of innovative research, the prize underscores the importance of pushing the boundaries of fiber lasers, in line with Gapontsev's vision for technological advancement.  Recipients will be granted total research freedom with consideration being given to the following:

1. Work focused on advancing basic research, or pursuing a compelling project that has a meaningful global impact.
2. Efforts focused on transitioning an idea into a commercial innovation.

Application Information

How To Apply

Submit your application at apply.optica.org

Important Dates

Opens 16 December 2024
Closes 28 March 2025

Applicant Requirements

• Must be an Optica member.
• Must be an early-career professional (1-5 years post highest degree).
• Conducting research in fiber laser technology.
  • Examples of some eligible disciplines include: fundamental and theoretical advances;  advanced manufacturing and materials processing; medical applications and biophotonics; energy production and nuclear fusion; art, conservation and cultural heritage preservation.

Program requirements recognize and exclude career breaks from career timelines (e.g., eldercare, maternity, paternity leave, inability to work due to COVID-19).

Application Requirements

• CV/Resume (Max 4 pages).
• Proposal (Max 2 pages).
  • Highlight current research and the potential impact of your project/research to advance the field of fiber lasers, solve real-world challenges, and/or have a global impact.
  • Overview of how the $20,000 prize would benefit your research and career.
• One example of published work. 
• Two letters of recommendation.

Document Formatting Requirements:

• Size: A4 (8.3" x 11.7").
• Margins: 1" (2.54cm) minimum, all sides.
• Format: Single-column.
• Font: Arial, Times New Roman, or Courier, 11pt or larger.
  • Font sizes below 11pt are permissible for mathematical formulas/equations, figure/table captions, and special characters.

If you have questions, please contact apply@optica.org.

Recipients

2024 WINNER

Michael Müller

Ruhr-Universität Bochum, PULS, Germany

for his groundbreaking work in developing one of the world's most powerful ultrafast fiber lasers, achieving 10.4 kW of average power. His innovations in pulse compression and oscillator stabilization promise significant advancements in nanotechnology, biomedical research and environmental monitoring.

Contributors

This prize is endowed by the VPG Foundation.

About the Endowment

Valentin Gapontsev, the founder of IPG Photonics, revolutionized the laser industry by setting new standards for performance, efficiency, and applications across various sectors.

His company (started in his basement) was the first to sell high-power fiber lasers in the late 1990s. These lasers are now crucial in cutting-edge applications like self-driving car sensors and space exploration.

Honoring him with this prize celebrates his monumental contributions and inspires the next generation to pursue their interests with similar passion and determination.