Early Career Professionals
Get Involved
Early Career Professionals
Your career in optics and photonics is just getting started.
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Career Resources
Explore job opportunities and virtual programs
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Early Career Membership
Take advantage of a reduced membership rate
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Explore the foundation's opportunities
Be recognized for excellence
Get Involved
Prizes & Fellowships
Ambassadors
Join the Optica Ambassadors, emerging leaders who provide with funding support from the foundation provide career advice, technical knowledge and mentorship worldwide.
Chang Pivoting Fellowship
Apply for unrestricted funding to pursue a newfound passion connected to optics and photonics.
Couillaud Prize in Ultrafast Lasers
Early career professionals: apply for a special recognition and prize in ultrafast lasers.
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Deutsch Fellowship in Biomedical Optics
Take your research to the next level with the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Gapontsev Prize for Innovations in Fiber Lasers
Be recognized in research excellence the science and applications of fiber laser technologies.
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Gordon Memorial Speakership
Recognizing research excellence in lasers and quantum at CLEO.
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Kaminow Outstanding Early Career Professional Prize
Early career professionals: demonstrate service to the society and communities worldwide.
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Li Innovation Prize (CLEO)
Early career professionals: follow in Tingye Li's footsteps and be recognized for your contributions to laser science.
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Li Innovation Prize (OFC)
Early career professionals: present advancements in optical communications at OFC.
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Optica Foundation Challenge
Propose how to use optics and photonics to solve a global challenge for US$100K prize.
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Simmons Memorial Speakership
Recognizing research excellence in optical networking at OFC.
Learn MoreSchools & Training Programs
Career Accelerator on Optics & Photonics
Attend a Career Accelerator to learn more about the culture, language and methodology of the business. This four-day program features renowned corporate executives and thought leaders offering insights on career paths and the professional and personal skills you need to succeed. You’ll connect with experts from optics and photonics companies and an international cohort of peers.
Innovation School
Learn how you can take a great idea and turn it into product or solution… and how to take an idea that isn’t market viable and pivot to a better offering. At the Innovation School, you’ll leverage the lean-canvas model tool to guide your team as you race towards a pitch at the end of the four-day program. You’ll leave this event with a new perspective and skills for being an entrepreneur/intrapreneur. Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and gain an new network and connections with fellow leaders and innovators in our industry.
Level Up
Are you leading a team for the first time? Are you feeling like an imposter in your current role? Do you know how to handle conflicts between colleagues? Register to attend Level Up Leadership to explore these questions and gain the communication and leadership skills necessary to advance your career to the next level.
Opportunities to Connect
