04/29/2026
The 2026 Open Call for Nominations for the IEEE Photonics Society Technical Skills Educator Award is now open.
This award recognizes educators who make a lasting impact through hands-on photonics and optics training, workforce development, and expanded access to technical education opportunities.
We encourage nominations for educators, trainers, faculty members, program leaders, and industry professionals who are:
• Delivering impactful, skills-based instruction
• Developing innovative, industry-aligned curriculum
• Creating pathways into photonics careers for underserved communities
• Raising awareness of workforce opportunities in optics and photonics
Nominations are welcomed from a wide range of instructional environments, including technical schools, community colleges, universities, workforce development programs, and industry training initiatives.
📅 Nomination Deadline: 31 May 2026
Past recipients include educators from Germany, Kenya, Canada, and the United States — highlighting the global impact of technical skills education in photonics.
Most Recent Honoree: Jens Hofmann for enabling career changes into photonics through company-institute collaborations.
🔹 Award: Certificate, cash honorarium, support to attend the presentation
🔹 Eligibility: Individual educators
Submit a nomination and help recognize those advancing technology and opportunity through education:
https://ieee.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/1430/home