The International Day of Light : a United Nations Program

16 May 2018 was the inaugural International Day of Light (IDL) – an annual, global initiative that provides a focal point for the continued appreciation of light. IDL aims to raise awareness of the critical role light-based technologies play in our lives, elevating science, technology, art, and culture to help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace.

Learn more: Read the SPIE press release.

See event photos from 2018 celebrations around the globe.

Apply for an SPIE IDL Micro Grant to help plan your event in 2019.

Promote the International Day of Light

The SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest

See the winners of the 2018 SPIE IDL Photo Contest

The SPIE Annual International Day of Light Photo Contest aims to raise awareness about IDL and the vital role that light and light-based technologies play in daily life.

For more information about our annual contest, to enter, and to see winners and submissions from our 2018 contest, visit the SPIE IDL Photo Contest page.

The 2018 contest closed on 16 September 2018.

The 2019 contest opens on IDL 2019, 16 May 2019, and will run until 16 September 2019.

Volunteers Needed

Help translate IDL promotional materials for global use.

Fill out our volunteer form, let us know what languages you speak fluently, and we will follow up with you.