Competition Closed
Applications closed
2026 Rising Stars of Light
An international recognition programme for emerging optics researchers across faculty and pre-faculty tracks.
Offered by Light: Science & Applications
At a glance
Key facts
- Location
- Global
- Prize / Support
- Research recognition and international visibility
- Career stage
- PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher or faculty
- Field / Discipline
- Optics and photonics
- Applications opened
- 1 May 2026
- Application deadline
- 15 Aug 2026
Who it is for
Eligible optics researchers under 40 in faculty or pre-faculty tracks
What the opportunity supports
Recognition programme; applicants provide a nomination, research summary and selected outputs.
About the opportunity
Rising Stars of Light identifies promising researchers in optics and photonics, with separate routes for faculty and for PhD or postdoctoral applicants.
Before you apply
- Confirm the age and career-track conditions in the official announcement.
- Secure the required nomination letter from a senior professor.
- Prepare the research accomplishments, future plan and representative outputs in English.
Last checked 26 July 2026. Confirm the current requirements when you open the official application.