The IEEE Photonics Society, a vital part of the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology, and the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), a membership-led, not-for-profit industry association that promotes the sustainable development of organizations working in the field of photonics, have announced that their associations have entered into a multiyear agreement to promote joint activities, cross-disciplinary technical dissemination and cooperative programs between membership bodies.

Resulting from the societies’ agreement, both organizations seek to enhance engineers, physicists, scientists, industry professionals, and students access to industry-relevant training and continuing education opportunities in the related fields of the organizations’ scopes, ranging from LED lighting, photovoltaic solar energy, photonics integrated circuits, optical components to lasers, sensors, imaging, displays, projectors, optic fibers, and other photonic related technologies.

“EPIC being the largest photonics industry association in the world, I am very much looking forward to partnering with the most important academic knowledge base in the world of photonics. Together we will be able to achieve great things to the benefit of the Photonics community!”, stated Carlos Lee, EPIC Director General.

EPIC offers a vibrant photonics ecosystem and strong network acting as a catalyst and facilitator for technological and commercial advancement throughout Europe. The IEEE Photonics Society will benefit from EPIC’s relationship with start-ups, SMEs, large companies, research organizations and other stakeholders that accelerate technological advancements and reach emerging photonics markets. 

The IEEE will provide EPIC’s members access to highly cited publications, conferences, academics, and eligibility for annual awards contributing to advancements in technology. There are over 400,000 IEEE members in over 160 countries, more than sixty percent of whom are from outside the United States. As one of 39 technical societies of the IEEE, the Photonics Society will provide avenues for local and international engagement with innovators the field and the next generation of photonics engineers and scientists of tomorrow. The partnership will facilitate collaboration across the IEEE, launch initiatives, and recommendations for the development of products and services that meet the needs of industry.

“The Photonic Society’s partnership with EPIC is a fantastic opportunity to work collectively to advance the missions of both organizations. It will directly support the efforts of the Society’s Industry Engagement Committee to develop programs and activities that enhance the experience and

engagement of Photonics Society members and the wider community working in industry,“ stated Dalma Novak, IEEE Technical Activities Division X Director and IEEE Photonics Society Industry Engagement Committee Chair.

The Society’s Industry Engagement Committee, led by Novak, will directly steer services between the parties’ agreement as well as encourage entrepreneurship initiatives and increase the elevation of industry members within relevant IEEE leadership positions. (Source: EPIC)