IIT Hyderabad PHOTONICS 2026: Nobel Laureate to Conduct Global Optics and Laser Conference

IIT Hyderabad to Host PHOTONICS 2026: Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland Among Speakers

Telangana: The science of light is enabling technologies used in communications, healthcare, manufacturing and space research. Bringing together researchers and practitioners from different fields, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) will host the 17th International Conference on Fiber Optics and Photonics (PHOTONICS 2026) next December.

PHOTONICS 2026 at IIT Hyderabad: Overview of the Conference

PHOTONICS 2026 is an international conference that focuses on the science of optics, lasers, fibre optics and photonic technologies. As stated on the event website , the conference will gather researchers, industry and young scientists to share and discuss research advances, new opportunities, and emerging technologies. Organized by IIT Hyderabad in collaboration with the University of Hyderabad, DRDO CHESS and TIFR Hyderabad, the conference is meant to create links between fundamental research and applicable technologies that cut across various scientific domains.

In terms of engagement, the conference will allow students and research scholars to track the most recent trends, connect with specialists and know what is happening outside their own institution.

Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland Among PHOTONICS 2026 Speakers

One of the big names announced as part of the PHOTONICS 2026 is Prof. Donna Strickland of the University of Waterloo, Canada. She is a Nobel laureate, having shared the 2018 Physics prize with Gérard Mourou for their work on chirped pulse amplification – a technique used to generate high-intensity, ultra-short pulses of light. Other plenary speakers named on the event website include Prof. Ursula Keller of ETH Zürich, Prof. Nikolay Zheludev of the Optoelectronics Research Centre in Southampton, and Prof. Chennupati Jagadish of the Australian National University.

The program also includes researchers from the University of Southampton, the University of Notre Dame, IIT Delhi, TIFR Hyderabad and the University of Hyderabad as keynote, tutorial and invited speakers. Their involvement is bound to generate a meaningful exchange of technical information and experiences within the diverse areas of photonics covered by the conference. More insights can be found on the conference website, which will also update information on speakers and programs as the event draws closer.

Essential Research Areas to Be Discussed at the Conference

PHOTONICS 2026 includes a wide scope of topics, all related to the use and applications of photonics – the science of light – which is increasingly finding applications in other areas of technology and research. Here are some of the research areas that will be covered, as listed on the conference website:

• Lasers and nonlinear optics : This will cover laser technologies and nonlinear optical processes.

• Fibre optics and optical communications : Fibre optics, including telecom technologies, will be part of the discussion.
• Quantum photonics : Here, the focus will be on quantum science and quantum technologies, including quantum computing and cryptography.
• Biomedical optics : The application of photonics in biology and medicine will also be included in the program.
• Nanophotonics and metamaterials : This area explores how nanomaterials can be used to control light.
• Sensors and metrology : Photonics will be applied to sensing and measuring technologies.
• Photonic devices and manufacturing : This area covers the design, fabrication and applications of photonic devices.
• Artificial intelligence in photonics : The conference will also consider the applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in photonics.

These areas have a range of applications, from telecommunications and medical technologies to sensing and measurement devices, electronics and advanced manufacturing processes. The conference will provide a platform for researchers to present and discuss their work, findings and potential directions this field could take in the future.

How Can Students and Researchers Participate?

Students, research scholars, faculty members, scientists and industry professionals are encouraged to visit the official website for information on registration, eligibility and the program. The website provides general information on the conference, including the program and speakers. The conference website has a section for registration, which includes the fees structure. It shows that besides regular fees, there are lower rates for students and post-doctoral researchers, as well as early-career participants. There is also a section for faculty members, scientists or exhibitors – and those interested can apply and pay the appropriate fees.

For Indian students in particular, the conference website shows that the registration fee for students is ₹4,500 before 1 November 2026, and ₹5,000 after that date. However, those interested should use the link provided to the registration page on the conference website to confirm the current rate and availability. Researchers who want to present their work should also visit the submission guidelines page on the event website. The website includes important information on manuscript preparation and the peer-review process, including any changes to submission and notification deadlines.

Why PHOTONICS 2026 Matters for India's Research Community

International conferences like PHOTONICS 2026 allow participants to present and discuss research findings, as well as share views on the future of their areas of specialization. With photonics being a multidisciplinary field, the conference will create a good platform for cutting-edge research and technical discussions among participants.

Moreover, as IIT Hyderabad hosts the event, it will give the local research community a chance to connect with international experts on this field. In addition, the conference will also benefit students who are considering a research career, giving them an opportunity to connect with specialists face-to-face.

Conclusion

PHOTONICS 2026 will be held at IIT Hyderabad on December 9–13, 2026, as a platform for researchers and practitioners to discuss developments in optics, lasers, fibre optics and photonics. With a Nobel laureate on its speakers’ list, the conference promises to be a valuable event for scientists, students and others to present, discuss and advance research in this key area of technology.

Those interested in the conference can go to the official website to know more about the program and speakers, and to register for the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is PHOTONICS 2026?

PHOTONICS 2026 is the 17th International Conference on Fiber Optics and Photonics. It is an international scientific conference on optics, lasers and fibre optics and related photonic technologies.

2. When is PHOTONICS 2026?

The conference will be held from December 9-13, 2026.

3. Where will PHOTONICS 2026 be held?

The conference will be organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

4. Will Donna Strickland, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2018, attend PHOTONICS 2026?

Donna Strickland, a professor at the University of Waterloo, is listed as a plenary speaker on the official conference website.

5. What will be the sessions in PHOTONICS 2026?

Session topics will be lasers, fiber optics, optical communication, quantum photonics, biomedical optics, nanophotonics, optical sensors, photonic devices and AI in photonics.

6. How can students register for PHOTONICS 2026?

Students can visit the official website for registration and see the details of fees, categories and procedure for online payments.

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