The International Day of Light : a United Nations Program

The International Day of Light (IDL) is 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.

The 2021 SPIE IDL Photo Contest launched on 16 May as part of the annual celebration of IDL. Learn more about the contest here.

Congratulations to the SPIE Student Chapters who won the IDL edition of the SPIE 2021 Optics Outreach Games! See the winners here.

Celebrate IDL Yearound

Decorate your social media platforms

Get IDL virtual backgrounds for your Zoom meetings

Add IDL wallpapers to your computer or smartphone

Tag your images #LightDay2021

Pledge to #TrustScience

For this year’s IDL celebration, we have partnered with IEEE Photonics Society, OSA, UNESCO, and the IDL Steering Committee to highlight the importance and credibility of science-based decisions.

Join more than 3,000 supporters of science – including educators, scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, Nobel Laureates, science enthusiasts, organizations, and students from around the world – by signing the pledge and sharing the opportunity with your friends and colleagues.

Together we can form a resounding global voice in support of the scientific method and fact-based inquiry while showcasing the importance of optics and photonics.

Sign the pledge ›

Promote the International Day of Light

The SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest

Learn more about the 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.

Amateur and professional photographers alike submit photos for a chance to win US$2,500.

The 2021 Photo Contest is open having launched on 16 May 2021 as part of the celebration of IDL 2021. The contest closes 16 September 2021.

Learn more and get inspired by the winning images of our 2020 contest, including those from our new Youth Category, as well as past photo contest submissions.

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.