| The IEEE Photonics Society Specialty Awards are now open for nominations, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of photonics. As a Society committed to advancing technology for humanity, we invite you to nominate exceptional educators who deliver hands-on, technical skills training in photonics. The Technical Skills Educator Award honors those expanding access to technician and trade education as well as creating pathways into the field for traditionally underserved communities (individuals who may face geographic, economic, educational access, or awareness barriers, or who have had limited exposure to photonics careers.) Nominees may serve in roles such as classroom practitioners, laboratory instructors, faculty members, program leaders, or industrial trainers—anyone actively engaged in delivering impactful hands-on, skills-based technical education. Strong candidates should demonstrate excellence in interactive, hands-on instruction with real-world application, show leadership through innovative, industry-aligned curriculum development, and/or contribute to community outreach that raises awareness of optics and photonics workforce opportunities. |
| Nomination Deadline: 31 May 2026 Nominations are encouraged from a wide range of instructional environments, including: – Vocational & Technical High Schools – AAS Community Colleges & Technician Certificate Programs – Industry & Workforce Development Programs – Bachelors Degree Colleges & Universities – Applied Skills & Trade Summer Schools Past Award Recipients Jens Hofmann, Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Germany Stephen Musamuli Kichinda, Multimedia University of Kenya Lukas Chrostowski, University of British Columbia, Canada Alexis Vogt, Monroe Community College, USA SUBMIT A NOMINATION |
