The field of optics and photonics is growing rapidly, and so is the community that drives it. Conexión con la Comunidad Mexicana de Óptica (CCMO), an initiative developed by the IEEE Mexico Optics and Photonics Group, aims to strengthen collaboration among professionals and students in optics, photonics, and related fields, both within Mexico and among Mexicans abroad. Its mission is to create a space for sharing experiences, showcasing national talent, and fostering collaboration networks from the earliest stages of professional development.
Since its first edition roughly a year back, held as a two-day virtual event, CCMO has grown into a key platform for knowledge exchange and professional development in Mexico. In 2025, the initiative expanded significantly, beginning with a three-day virtual event from September 17–19, followed by its first in-person event on October 1 as part of the Mexican Optics and Photonics Meeting in Monterrey, and a second in-person edition on November 27–28 in Mexico City. These events were supported by the IEEE Photonics Society Educational Seed Funding, the SPIE and OPTICA student chapters at UNAM, and UNAM’s Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (ICAT-UNAM).
CCMO 2025 offered a wide-ranging program of technical talks, keynote lectures, interactive panels, professional development workshops, lab visits, and networking opportunities, catering to students and professionals at all stages of their careers. The organizing team, comprised of students and young professionals from institutions across Mexico, including Abraham Quiñones Flores, Adalberto Pérez Guzmán, Danna González García, Diana Paulina Moreno Miranda, Eloy Montesinos Garrido, José Manuel Reyes Alfaro, Rodolfo A. Carrillo-Betancourt, Sarai Guerrero Santiago, and Yareli Navarro Martínez, played a critical role in planning and executing these events, ensuring they were engaging.
This CCMO edition successfully engaged a total of 247 attendees, 51 speakers, and 23 volunteers, with participation spanning across 18 institutions nationwide. The online event featured 23 speakers and 114 attendees, while the Monterrey in-person event included 7 speakers and 73 attendees. The Mexico City event brought together 22 speakers and 60 attendees, offering lab visits and hands-on experiences for students. Institutions represented included UNAM, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, and numerous autonomous universities across Mexico, highlighting the event’s national reach and collaborative spirit.
CCMO 2025 achieved meaningful outcomes in multiple areas. A new partnership with the Academia Mexicana de Óptica (AMO) laid the groundwork for future editions and strengthened connections between students and the academic environment in optics. The events successfully raised awareness about the importance of optics and photonics, emphasizing its multidisciplinary nature and relevance to a wide range of careers. For students, lab visits, interactive panels, and discussion sessions offered direct engagement with researchers, mentorship opportunities, and guidance for transitioning from academia to professional roles. Mental health awareness was also a key component, creating safe spaces to discuss challenges and reduce stigma within the scientific community. Furthermore, the events promoted international collaboration by inviting speakers from Latin America and beyond to share insights on quantum technologies, contributing to the celebration of the International Year of Quantum. The launch of CCMO’s website expanded the initiative’s reach, attracting around 200 visitors from Mexico, the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Colombia, and the Netherlands.
The events featured prominent experts, including: Blanca Estela García Pérez (IPN), Natanael Cuando Espitia (UG), Ulises Ramirez Meza (UTM), Jorge Alejandro Reyes Esqueda (UNAM), Carlos Torres Torres (IPN), Carmelo Rosales Guzmán (CIO), Angeles Camacho (CoreActive Inc.), Yessenia Jauregui Sánchez (Queen’s University Belfast), Miguel V. Andrés (Universitat de Valencia), Oleksiy Shulika (UG), and Perla Marlene Viera González (UANL). Their contributions enriched the experience for attendees and provided direct access to expertise from leaders in the field. Laboratory visits during the Mexico City event were particularly impactful for undergraduate students, allowing them to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications and explore potential thesis projects and internships.
Participants expressed strong appreciation for the events. Rigoberto Castro Beltrán noted that CCMO was “an excellent platform for dissemination and professional updates,” while Gabriela Flores Rangel highlighted how the initiative reminded her why she loves science: “for the people who make it possible, for the ideas that arise when we share, and for the inspiration that comes from listening to one another.” Mariana Isabel reflected on the community-building aspect, noting that “the best part is meeting incredible people with shared interests, but from different perspectives.”
As CCMO continues to grow, it set a high standard for collaborative, intergenerational and impactful scientific events, inspiring members of optics and photonics in Mexico and beyond.
The IEEE Photonics Society leadership gratefully acknowledges Rodolfo A. Carrillo-Betancourt, IEEE Young Professionals Advisory Committee Representative, whose vision and dedication were pivotal in establishing the IEEE Mexico Optics and Photonics Group. Working closely with IEEE MGA and the Society, he helped create a dynamic platform that advances professional development, networking, and the growth of optics and photonics in Mexico. Rodolfo has also actively led multiple workshops connected to the group. Notably, at his alma mater, Universidad Politécnica de Victoria, he returned to lead a workshop titled “Exploring Optics and Photonics: Innovation, Applications, and Opportunities.”
The workshop aimed to introduce future mechatronic engineers to the practical applications of optics and photonics, highlighting their relevance in electronics, control systems, and robotics. Through hands-on activities, participants were able to explore how these disciplines can be integrated to address current technological challenges. Rodolfo’s willingness to serve and give back to the community exemplifies the qualities of a true volunteer leader, inspiring others through both action and mentorship.
