International Day of Light Student Video Contest

Submit a video that helps inspire the next generation to study optics and photonics

2022 winning video

Congratulations to Alisha Naqvi from Air University of Pakistan for earning the $1,000 grand prize through her stunning visual depiction of "Photonics is the future."

The inaugural contest for 2022 has closed. Check back in May 2023 for details on how to submit your video.

How to prepare your video for entry

The theme of the contest is: Why Optics and Photonics is a Great Field.

Submit your 30 - 60 second video, in .mov or .mp4 format, telling us why you are excited about your field of study.

Examples of content include, but are not exclusive to, creative videos that share: 

  • What is exciting about the field
  • How you see optics and photonics impacting the world
  • Ways to inspire the next generation to study optics and photonics
  • People interacting with light and/or light technology

Each video will be judged on the following criteria: 

  • Content: Appropriateness and coverage of content in relation to the theme
  • Scientific interest: Overall effectiveness in engaging and communicating the contest theme to viewers
  • Creativity/artistry: Innovation and creativity in the concept
  • Execution: Execution of videography techniques used to enhance the quality and content of entries

Enter the contest by 30 June. Winners will be notified in July 2022. Winners' names will be displayed on the SPIE.org website and other methods. 

Please read the contest rules before entering the contest.