Registration Fee.

Thanks to the support of Yerevan State University, the registration fee for the 2025 Siegman International School on Lasers will be lowered from US $900 to a flat rate of US $300*.

*For those in tier 1 emerging economies, the registration rate is US$100.

1. Your accommodations are on us.

Attendees will be provided a shared* room at ibis Yerevan Center Hotel, in Yerevan, Armenia, checking in on 27 July and checking out on 02 August 2025. A valid credit card will be needed upon check-in for incidentals.

2. Your meals are on us.

Beginning Sunday night on 27 July and ending at the closing reception on 1 August, we will provide meals for attendees. We can accommodate requests for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals as well as various allergies. For other meal needs, we may not be able to provide a complementary option.

3. Opportunity to present.

Students will have the option to present their research to a group of their peers and luminaries in the field of laser science. Poster Sessions will take place on both 28 and 29 July 2025. Within registration, you can submit your poster title and abstract, but participation in the poster session is optional

Student are responsible for printing and traveling with their posters to the school. Alternatively, you can contact us at siegmanposters@optica.org to help you arrange printing at the university. The poster board size is A0. If you ask for help to print your poster in Armenia, please provide your file in PDF format at A0 size, not later than the 21^st of July.

The Burton J. McMurtry Student Poster Prize. This prize is given to one student based on both research findings as well as written and oral excellence. There will be one US$500 prize and three US$200 honorable mentions chosen by the lecturers.

Not all expenses are covered; here's what to plan to pay for on your own.

1. Travel. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Yerevan, Armenia. The host institution will provide Visa invitation letters for those requesting or requiring documentation for travel.
2. Other transportation and car rentals. Attendees are to cover their own transportation to and from the airport (EVN).
3. Additional nights. If you wish to arrive early or extend your stay in Yerevan, Armenia, or add additional travel to your trip, you will be responsible for any extra costs and fees. Some of the best travel options can be found here. Buses are a convenient option, taking you directly to the city center—less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel—via the beautiful Northern Avenue.

Here's what we think you should wear and bring.

1. July/ August in Yerevan, Armenia, is warm. The lecture hall is air-conditioned. Plan to bring a light jacket or something to layer when indoors (and immediately take off when you walk outside into the heat).
2. Bring some shoes you can walk comfortably in.
3. Leave gowns, tuxedos, tiaras, etc., at home. The dress code is casual. You're meeting peers, colleagues, and mentors, but don't overthink it.

Let's talk about health and safety.

1. If you become ill before, during, or after the event, please contact us to explore options that keep you healthy and avoid spreading anything to your fellow attendees. We encourage participants to secure the necessary health insurance for their trip at their own expense. The host is providing insurance that will cover any accidents during the event up to 5000 USD.
2. Stay hydrated. Water will be provided between lectures during breaks.
3. Drink responsibly. Alcoholic beverages will be available occasionally during the event. We love a party, but networking works best if you keep your wits about you.