Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, named Optica’s 2025 Advocate of Optics
About Optica
19 December 2025
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, named Optica’s 2025 Advocate of Optics
Virkkunen is recognized for her distinguished leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing science, technology and photonics innovation in Europe.
WASHINGTON – 11 December 2025 – On 4 December, Optica CTO José Pozo presented Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, with the 2025 Advocate of Optics recognition. This prestigious honor celebrates public officials who demonstrate outstanding leadership and support for the advancement of light science and its applications.
Optica selected Virkkunen for her sustained commitment to building a strong European ecosystem for optics, photonics and critical frontier technologies. Her work has been central to championing policies and investments that reinforce Europe’s technological leadership while addressing global challenges.
During the presentation, Dr. Pozo emphasized the significance of her leadership, “You have consistently elevated frontier technologies—integrated photonics, quantum, semiconductor and advanced computing. We see your impact clearly. Europe, and especially Finland, is shaping photonics not only for AI and data infrastructure, but for improving lives. In all of your roles, you have embedded optics and photonics at the core of Europe’s digital, industrial and security strategy.”
“Thank you so much to Optica for this recognition. It’s a great honor for me, and it really encourages us to continue our work,” said Virkkunen. She added, “We have a very strong base in Europe and everything we need to be competitive: great researchers, great scientists and so many startups working in technologies like photonics, and we can be very proud of that. Now we have to make sure that these companies can scale up their businesses in Europe and enter into markets. So, it’s important to invest in infrastructure, research and science and boost innovation.”
The ceremony, held at the Executive Vice President’s offices in Brussels, concluded with her expression of partnership, “I want to thank Optica for all the work you have been doing in this area. I’m very much looking forward to continue close cooperation with you, because your expertise is needed for Europe’s future.”
Virkkunen has long been a leading advocate for European science and technology policy. Appointed in late 2024 as Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, she oversees a broad portfolio that includes digital and frontier technologies such as AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and cloud computing.
Prior to her current role, Virkkunen served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2014. As an influential member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), she consistently championed greater EU investment in photonics and quantum technologies to bolster Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness. Her efforts also significantly influenced Horizon Europe funding priorities, ensuring robust support for innovation in optics and photonics. Earlier in her career, Virkkunen held several ministerial posts in Finland, including Minister of Education, Minister of Public Administration and Local Government and Minister of Transport, where she actively promoted STEM education and scientific research as fundamental pillars of national innovation and progress.
“Henna Virkkunen’s unwavering dedication to advancing the frontiers of science and technology, particularly in the fields of optics and photonics, is truly exemplary,” said Optica CEO Elizabeth Nolan. “Her strategic vision for Europe’s technological future, and her tireless efforts to create supportive policy frameworks are vital for the continued growth and impact on the global optics and photonics community. Optica is delighted to honor her and her significant achievements with the 2025 Advocate of Optics recognition.”
About the Advocate of Optics Recognition
The Optica Advocate of Optics is an annual recognition conferred by the Optica Public Affairs Council. Each calendar year, the Council evaluates and selects an outstanding public official from around the globe who demonstrates exceptional leadership and support for the advancement of optics and photonics. Recipients are evaluated on criteria such as their enthusiasm for science and science policy, level of familiarity with optics and photonics, level of interaction with Optica and its members and a consistent record of supporting science, optics and photonics. One or more recipients may be chosen in any given year.
About Optica
Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the Society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org
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