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Resources
Speaker Database
We are very grateful to the following volunteers who have confirmed their willingness to support International Day of Light events and activities by speaking on a wide range of topics including science, technology, art, culture, education and development. Please note that while speakers will volunteer their time, all travel and local expenses must be met by event organisers. In addition, speakers may be in heavy demand during the month of May, but since International Day of Light themed events can be held throughout the year, you should feel free to make contact to enquire about availability at other times.
Astronomers of the International Astronomical Union
Astronomers who are members of the International Astronomical Union can be requested through the Meet the IAU Astronomers! programme here.
Azzedine Boudrioua
Professor at the University of Paris 13
Speaking Topics: History of Optics particularly the Islamic Golden Age and the works of Ibn Al-Haytham; Advanced topics in optoelectronics and photonics; Education and Development.
Lectures in English, French, Arabic.
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at boudrioua@univ-paris13.fr
Ana María Cetto
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Instituto de Física
Speaking Topics: International Science Advocacy; Light and the environment; Exhibitions on light and science; Science for Peace; Foundations of Physics (interaction of light with matter).
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at ana@fisica.unam.mx
John Dudley
Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté
Speaking Topics: International Day of Light overview; International Science Advocacy; Photonics & Society; Live Science Lectures; General lectures on various aspects of photonic science and technology; careers etc. Lectures in English, French.
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at john.dudley@univ-fcomte.fr
Charles Falco
University of Arizona
Speaking Topics: The Science of Optics - The History of Art; The Art and Science of Motorcycles.
Contact via IDL Secretariat or directly at falco@email.arizona.edu
Andrew Forbes
School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Speaking Topics: Various topics in photonics, quantum optics, structured light; Optics in Africa.
Contact directly at andrew.forbes@wits.ac.za
Prajna Khanna
Corporate Social Responsibility/Director Signify Foundation
Speaking Topics: Solar lighting for Off-grid communities, the role of business in addressing SDGs, pivoting traditional developmental models to impact investing
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at prajna.khanna@signify.com
Jorge Rivero Gonzalez
Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC)
Speaking Topics: Astronomy for Development, Astronomy, Education, Light Pollution, Outreach. Will also serve as contact point to help identify speakers on diverse topics relating to astronomy-related subjects.
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at rivero@ice.csic.es
Saurabh Narang
Award-winning Photographer
Speaking Topics: Chasing Light Worldwide, Photographic Adventures in the Wild, Role of Light in Storytelling.
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at saurabh.narang12@gmail.com
Joe Niemela
International Centre for Theoretical Physics UNESCO-ICTP
Speaking Topics: Education, Science in Developing Countries, Science for Sustainable Development
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly niemela@ictp.it
John O’Hagan
International Commission on Illumination/Loughborough University
Speaking Topics: Light and Health, Laser Safety
Contact directly at j.b.ohagan2@lboro.ac.uk
Krisinda Plenkovich
Director for Education & Community Services: The International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE)
Speaking Topics: Photonics for Sustainable Development, Gender Equity, SPIE Education and Outreach Projects
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at krisindap@spie.org
Roberta Ramponi
Director of the CNR Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies
Professor of Physics at the Politecnico di Milano
President of the International Commission for Optics
Speaking Topics: General lectures on various aspects of photonic science and technology, as well as talks on the Promotion and Dissemination of Optics and Photonics, International Networks etc.
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at roberta.ramponi@polimi.it
Pedro Russo
Leiden University and International Astronomical Union
Speaking Topics: Astronomy for Development, Astronomy, Education, Light Pollution, Outreach. Will also serve as contact Point to help identify speakers on diverse topics relating to astronomy-related subjects.
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at russo@strw.leidenuniv.nl
Cather Simpson
Professor of Physics and Chemical Sciences at the University of Auckland
Speaking Topics: Photonics for Sustainable Development, Entrepreneurship, Ultrafast Science and Technology, Education and Outreach, Women in Science.
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at c.simpson@auckland.ac.nz
Jess Wade
Postdoctoral Physicist at Imperial College London
Speaking Topics: Diversity in Science, Challenging Stereotypes, New materials for light emitting diodes.
Contact via the IDL Secretariat or directly at jessica.wade@imperial.ac.uk
Rachel Won
International Editor, Nature Photonics
Speaking Topics: Scientific Publishing, Manuscript Writing, Careers, Women in Science
Contact directly at r.won@nature.com