APS News

APS Supports the International Day of Light

May 16 marks the second annual celebration of light in society

May 16, 2019 | Leah Poffenberger

Beginning in 2018, UNESCO instituted the International Day of Light (IDL), recognizing the importance of light and optics in society, science, and culture, and the continued importance of the study of light. May 16 was selected as the IDL to commemorate the anniversary of the first successful operation of a laser. For the second year, APS provided funding and participated in the steering committee for IDL, alongside other scientific societies.

IDL is celebrated around the world with a variety of different light-focused events, including UNESCO’s Illuminating Education conference, promoting careers in the physics of light, and the use of light to promote science to the general public. A special focus of this year’s Day of Light is inspiring young people and women in developing countries to study science and engineering, which the Illuminating Education conference hopes to accomplish.

IDL logo 300px

To learn more about the International Day of Light and the ways it is being celebrated around the world, visit the IDL website.

News Update Archive

View Archive


APS News

Read Current Issue


Recent News Update
Harvard Chemist and APS Fellow Shares 2022 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience
Dr. George Whitesides, a Harvard chemist and APS Fellow, is one of four recipients of the 2022 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience.
Productive Scientific Discourse Demands Respect
APS strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all those engaged in physics.
APS Continues Progress to Make US More Welcoming for Science
The China Initiative, which sowed fear among some APS members and curtailed legitimate collaborations, has ended in its current form.
March Meeting Heads to Chicago
The 2022 APS March Meeting will be held live in Chicago with many sessions available online as well.
Celebrating Leaders in Physics Teacher Preparation
Nine colleges and universities received top honors for preparing highly qualified high school physics teachers.
2022 APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research Awarded to Elliott Lieb
Princeton University physicist to receive top APS honor