[AAA] Fwd: International Day of Light 2026 Newsletter April 2026

[Mariana Dominga Orellana]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
De: International Day of Light <contact en lightday.org>
Date: lun, 20 abr 2026 a las 7:00
Subject: International Day of Light 2026 Newsletter April 2026

News and Updates about the International Day of Light 2026

Dear Supporters of the International Day of Light,

We are counting down the days to May 16, 2026, which will see the ninth
celebration of the UNESCO International Day of Light, one of the most
anticipated science events on the global calendar of United Nations
observances. Since its inception in 2018, over 3200 activities and events
have taken place in more than 100 countries, reaching and inspiring
millions worldwide. We would like to thank you all for the hard work that
has made the International Day of Light such a success.

As you will see from our global calendar
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=620a715e2d&e=773971c1ea>,
activities
are being organised worldwide for 2026, and we look forward to some
fantastic celebrations. Indeed, some have already taken place!  One of the
unique features of the International Day of Light is its ability to bring
together diverse communities, and this is reflected in the tremendous range
of topics that will be celebrated, including science and technology,
lighting and lighting quality, astronomy, education, and more!  In
addition, 16 May is also the United Nations International Day of Living
Together in Peace
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=03a35b4ab3&e=773971c1ea>,
and we encourage organisers of events on 16 May to consider including
broader discussions of this theme as well, perhaps linking with the
cultural association of light as a symbol of inclusion and hope.

If you haven’t planned any activities yet, remember that the International
Day of Light celebrations do not all need to take place on 16 May itself.
While many will naturally be organised around that date and during the week
that follows, events at any time of the year can receive an association
with the International Day of Light. Please register
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=28d1a98331&e=773971c1ea>
your
events as soon as you can, and remember that we have simplified our
registration form in case you are organising multiple events. As usual, the
website contains useful information about all aspects of event organisation.
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=f9e1c0cc16&e=773971c1ea>
Also,
feel free to review past events
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=bb1808f00e&e=773971c1ea>
for
inspiration as well. Many people find this extremely useful as a way to get
started.

We appreciate just how much work and commitment go into organising such
events, so don't hesitate to let us know if you wish us to highlight your
plans via our newsletter. This can be a great way to give you some
well-deserved recognition!  And if you may be involved in organising a
technical or science-themed conference this year, why not think about
including a special session related to outreach, education, or training?
Our experience is that such sessions are very enthusiastically attended and
provide a great forum for meeting new collaborators.

We encourage you all to continue following and engaging with our social
media channels using the hashtag #lightday2026 and the official channels: @
IDLOfficial
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=7eaddb4352&e=773971c1ea>
on
X/Twitter, @InternationalDayOfLight
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=289ebf2b26&e=773971c1ea>
on
Instagram, @InternationalDayOfLight
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=f4334e0571&e=773971c1ea>
on
Facebook, @International Day Of Light
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=b6c8d143f3&e=773971c1ea>
on
LinkedIn, and @idlofficial.bsky.social
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=6302c77f4a&e=773971c1ea>
on
Bluesky.

And once again, we acknowledge the continued commitment and support from
the Steering Committee and other partners. Information about our
partnership and how to get involved is here
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=fb22e7c506&e=773971c1ea>
.

*John Dudley and Joseph Niemela*
IDL 2026 Steering Committee Chairs
*Email:* john.dudley en univ-fcomte.fr
*Email:* niemela en ictp.it

*Geethu Paulose*
IDL Communications Coordinator
*Email:* contact en lightday.org
------------------------------

*CIE Webinar for the International Day of Light*

The CIE invites you to join its upcoming special webinar entitled Lighting
the Way: Finding Balance Between Safety, Beauty, and the Night Sky
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=d43a15f528&e=773971c1ea>
on
the topic of light pollution, in celebration of the International Day of
Light 2026 (16 May). The webinar will take place on *Friday, May 15, 2026
from 15:00 - 16:30 CEST.  *

*Date & Time:* May 15, 2026, 15:00 (CEST) via Zoom
*Duration:* 1.5 hours (including Q&A session)
*The webinar is free to join, but registration is required.* REGISTER HERE
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=26a1a82cfa&e=773971c1ea>

This webinar will bring together various perspectives on current practice
and emerging priorities in light pollution, highlighting developments in
policy, regulation, scientific research, and municipal and regional
initiatives. The session will provide an opportunity to hear different
viewpoints, learn what is happening in practice, and reflect on how these
developments relate to existing CIE work and relevant CIE publications. It
will also facilitate exchange between experts to support CIE’s guidance,
recommendations, and potential future publications, while identifying
topics and gaps that may benefit from further attention in current and
future CIE activities. By linking real-world practice with CIE outputs, the
session aims to inform and guide ongoing and future CIE work in this area.

CIE President Dr. Jennifer Veitch will open the webinar with an
introduction to CIE's work on this topic. This will be followed by
contributions from invited experts, and the webinar will conclude with
a 30-minute discussion and Q&A session joined by outdoor lighting expert(s)
from CIE Division 4: Transportation and Exterior Applications.

The webinar will feature CIE experts Prof. Matej Kobav (University of
Ljubljana, Slovenia; CIE NC Slovenia), presenting Slovenia’s light
pollution regulation and its effects in practice; Prof. Carolin
Liedtke (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences – HAW Hamburg, Germany; CIE
NC Germany), presenting the DARKER SKY project within the EU Interreg North
Sea Region Programme; as well as updates from the Horizon Europe project
PLAN-B, which investigates light pollution and its effects on terrestrial
biodiversity, jointly presented by project experts Prof. Karolina
Zielińska-Dąbkowska (Gdansk University of Technology, Poland) and Prof.
Mike Wood (University of Salford, UK). The perspectives presented will also
be reflected on by Prof. Steve Fotios (Associate Director of CIE Division
4), opening the discussion for audience interaction.

This webinar is part of the CIE project “Understanding Science –
Understanding Light*”*
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=100f975ba6&e=773971c1ea>,
which aims to make scientific knowledge on light accessible and relevant to
the public.  Learn more about the speakers and the topics they will present
here
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=d58b51e949&e=773971c1ea>
.

*Contact*
Seda Gasparyan
Communications Officer, International Commission on Illumination
*Email*: seda.gasparyan en cie.co.at

*Image Credit:* CIE
------------------------------

*International Day of Light at the Multimedia University of Kenya*

The Multimedia University of Kenya Optical Society
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=85abdbdd43&e=773971c1ea>
will be holding a celebration of the International Day of Light (IDL) on
29th May 2026. Building on the tremendous success of their event for IDL
2025 - which drew 320 attendees, 4 companies, 7 universities, and 4 high
schools - this year’s planned event will be even larger. Activities will
include hands-on optics demonstrations, Internet of Things (IoT)
competitions, lab tours at the National Institute of Optics and Lasers
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=fbf2af7f25&e=773971c1ea>
(NIOL), and industry exhibitions.

Officially founded and registered in October 2023, the Multimedia
University of Kenya Optical Society is anchored in Kenya’s first BSc in
Applied Optics and Lasers, which was launched in 2016. In just three years,
the society has grown into a recognised student chapter under Optica (since
February 2024) and SPIE (since March 2025). A major highlight of IDL 2026
will be the official launch of the Women’s Chapter, a dedicated initiative
to bridge gender gaps in STEM through mentorship and targeted outreach to
girls’ schools. This launch reaffirms the Chapter's commitment to
inclusivity and scientific leadership in East Africa.

*Contact*
Kipkemoi Elvis Samuel
President, Multimedia University of Kenya Optical Society
Laboratory Technologist, National Institute for Optics and Lasers
*Email*: ekipkemoi en mmu.ac.ke

*Image Credit:* National Institute of Optics and Lasers, Multimedia
University of Kenya
------------------------------
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=fea340a39b&e=773971c1ea>

*Illuminating Impact Symposium with Unite to Light*

Unite to Light
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=092b24195a&e=773971c1ea>
is a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit organisation that provides solar-powered
lighting and charging solutions to people around the world living without
access to electricity. Indeed, over 700 million people still live without
reliable access to electricity, yet it is widely known that access to
clean, affordable light and energy is critical to improving health,
education, and prosperity. Since its founding in 2010, Unite to Light and
its partners have distributed over 275,000 solar lights and chargers to
more than 80 countries, aiming to address key needs in education, maternal
and child health, disaster response, and homelessness support.

For the International Day of Light 2026, Unite to Light will host the
*Illuminating
Impact: Thought Leadership Summit*
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=5fa8e022af&e=773971c1ea>
on May 15 at the Direct Relief Headquarters in Santa Barbara, focusing on
discussing aspects of innovation, collaboration, and leadership at the
intersection of light, sustainability, and global impact. The summit will
convene climate and clean energy leaders, global health and education
experts, philanthropists and impact investors, and local government and
business leaders, creating a unique platform for cross-sector dialogue and
partnership. Registration for in-person and online attendance is at this
link.
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=c56494e61c&e=773971c1ea>


*Contact*
Kate Stevens
Unite to Light
*Email*: kate en unitetolight.org

*Image Credit:* Unite to Light
------------------------------

*Who will be The Daylight Award 2026 laureates?*

As The Daylight Award
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=d276f70a93&e=773971c1ea>
approaches its 2026 announcement, anticipation is building around the new
laureates who will join a distinguished group of previous recipients
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=60ecfd2713&e=773971c1ea>
in
the categories of Daylight Research and Daylight in Architecture.

Awarded biennially, The Daylight Award honours individuals whose work has
significantly advanced our understanding of daylight and its impact on life
on Earth. Previous laureates, from pioneering researchers to visionary
architects, have contributed to shaping a growing, interdisciplinary
dialogue that connects science, design, and the built environment.

The laureates will be revealed on Saturday, 16 May 2026, marking the UNESCO
International Day of Light. The official award ceremony will take place in
Copenhagen on 27 May 2026 and will be livestreamed globally, offering
audiences the opportunity to experience the laureates’ lectures and join
the ongoing conversation on the role of daylight in our lives.

Who will shape the next chapter of The Daylight Award story?

Mark the date and follow the announcement at thedaylightaward.com
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=bf394a865b&e=773971c1ea>

*Contact*
Jadrana Curkovic
The Daylight Award Communication
*Email:* jadrana en thedaylightaward.com

*Image Credit*: Sport Pavilion Francisco De Vitoria University by Alberto
Campo Baeza, The Daylight Award 2024 laureate for Daylight in
Architecture.  © Javier Callejas
------------------------------

*A Libyan National Node for the International Day of Light*

We are very pleased to highlight the newly established Libya National Node,
led by the Research Center of Optical Fibers and Lasers at the College of
Electrical and Electronics Technology
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=8d8281fda4&e=773971c1ea>
(CEET) in Benghazi. In recent years, researchers within CEET have organised
a range of workshops and hands-on sessions for both students and
professionals, including collaborations with the Man-Made River Project
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=b043d4a253&e=773971c1ea>
that was built to transport groundwater from underground aquifers in the
Sahara Desert to coastal cities where the majority of the population is
concentrated. Building on this momentum, a 20-hour postgraduate training
course on optical fibre networks will run throughout April 2026, with field
training and visits to optical fibre deployments in Benghazi planned for
May. More general outreach activities aimed at young students and the
general public have focused on simpler experiments illustrating the basic
properties of light, and also describing the rich heritage of Arabic
contributions to optical science through pioneers such as Ibn Al-Haytham.

These initiatives reflect the national commitment to strengthen optics and
photonics capacity in Libya, and align with the global mission of the
International Day of Light to promote education, and the longer-term goals
of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=2cfbc596cb&e=773971c1ea>
.

*Contact*
Dr. Mohamed Elgaud
Director of the Center of Research and Technical Studies
Coordinator of the Research Center of Optical Fibers and Lasers, CEET
*Email: *elgaud en ceet.edu.ly

*Image Credit:* Mohamed Elgaud, CEET
------------------------------

*Lighting the Sound in Albany, Australia*

Running for nine nights over three weekends in March 2026, the coastline
and sky of the portside city of Albany/Kinjarling in Western Australia were
transformed by Lighting the Sound
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=569d79ddb1&e=773971c1ea>,
a dramatic and immersive large-scale light-art installation. Designed and
implemented by Finnish light artist Kari Kola
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=321fec20fa&e=773971c1ea>
together with arts and cultural organisation FORM, the work was co-designed
with Menang
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=074fae3b72&e=773971c1ea>
Elders and the Albany community. Lighting the Sound embodies the
Menang-first approach and principles of reconciliation central to the
Albany 2026 vision. Rooted in the wisdom of the Menang (or Bloodroot)
plant, from which the region’s First Nations people take their name, this
initiative celebrates tens of thousands of years of unbroken connection and
creates the opportunity for Menang people to tell their story. The visual
language of the work drew from the bloodroot plant - its vivid pigments,
earthy hues, and elemental strength. These natural colours formed the basis
of the installation that drew an audience of 10's of thousands into
stillness, reflection, and awe.

*Contact*
Kari Kola
*Email*: kari en karikola.com

*Image Credit:* Kari Kola
------------------------------

*Celebrating 200 years of Photography*

It was around 1826-1827 that the French inventor Nicéphore Niépce captured
what is generally considered to be the first surviving photograph, *le* *Point
de vue du Gras*
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=3b7f4a1d9e&e=773971c1ea>,
a view from a window of a country estate in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes. The
image was created by a process that Niépce had invented around 1822, using
a camera obscura to project an image onto a pewter plate thinly coated with
bitumen. The bitumen hardened in areas strongly exposed to light,
but remained soluble in areas more weakly illuminated, such that it could
be washed away to reveal an image. Photography has since
revolutionised virtually every area of society - in science and technology,
art, culture, education, family life, politics, and more. By giving us the
ability to freeze moments in time, photography has fundamentally
transformed how we document and share our human experience.

Throughout 2026 and 2027, a number of celebrations of the photography
bicentenary will take place, including a major national initiative in
France coordinated by the French Ministry of Culture
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=c556f28df6&e=773971c1ea>.
Of course, this is also an opportunity for the International Day of Light
community to engage, since many partners already include photography and
photography competitions in their activities. For example, events in 2026
could launch local campaigns encouraging students to explore photography,
perhaps leading to exhibitions to take place for the International Day of
Light in 2027. And from an educational and scientific perspective,
photography reveals the universe on every scale, whether it be everyday
natural phenomena or the remarkable techniques of astrophotography and
microscopy. There are several possibilities of wonderful events to
organise, so if you are planning something, please let us know.

*Contact*
International Day of Light
*Email: *contact en lightday.org

*Image: *View from the Window at Le Gras, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. Public
Domain. Wikipedia
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=ff548d5797&e=773971c1ea>
.
------------------------------

*Physics Without Frontiers in Pakistan *

Physics Without Frontiers
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=6a891aa7ed&e=773971c1ea>
(PWF) is a capacity-building program run by the Abdus Salam International
Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) that supports physics education and
research in developing and under-resourced regions by connecting local
teachers and students with the international scientific community. Through
building local groups trained in particular areas of physics, the programme
supports schools and universities and helps communities to organise public
outreach events. For the International Day of Light 2026, the Active
Learning in Optics (ALO) group
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=ff767ab8b7&e=773971c1ea>
at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, held a PWF activity at
the Women University Mardan from March 30 - April 1, bringing together
students, researchers, and international experts to promote advanced
learning in optics and photonics amongst women in the region. Topics
covered quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and quantum optics and in
addition, two Salam Centennial Lectures
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=839dfb5dfd&e=773971c1ea>
were
given as part of the celebrations at ICTP, recognising the centennial of
Abdus Salam who would have turned 100 on 29 January 2026.

*Contact*
Imrana Ashraf
Active Learning in Optics at Quaid-i-Azam University
*Email:* *iashraf en ictp.it <hilarya en spie.org>*

*Image Credit:* Imrana Ashraf
------------------------------
*Please register your 2026 event!*
We continue to welcome registrations
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=950a1934f8&e=773971c1ea>
for
2026 International Day of Light events on our global calendar. Please note
that events can be registered regardless of when they will take place in
2026, and remember that we have simplified our registration form in case
you are organising multiple events under a common banner. If you cannot
access the online registration page from your location, please use the
downloadable
registration form
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=a44fc54231&e=773971c1ea>
instead,
and email the form to us at contact en lightday.org with subject line 'IDL
2026 Event Registration'.

This year we are encouraging activities structured around the special theme
of Light for a Sustainable Future. When planning for 2026, please think
about how this important topic can be worked into any events that you are
organising.  Extensive information about the UN Sustainable Development
Goals is available here.
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=7db2783cb9&e=773971c1ea>
*Share, Subscribe, and Follow us on Socials for Updates!*
We encourage you to spread the word about the International Day of Light to
your fellow colleagues and your network. And subscribe to our monthly
newsletter
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=ab12f7748a&e=773971c1ea>
and follow us on our official social media channels for the latest news and
updates:

 InternationalDayOfLight
<https://lightday.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c8c821e196c8c97b05e919d36&id=403a84f8ee&e=773971c1ea>

 InternationalDayOfLight
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*Copyright © 2026 International Day of Light Secretariat, All rights
reserved.*
International Day of Light Updates

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International Day of Light Secretariat
Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics ICTP
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