SPIE is an international not-for-profit society advancing an interdisciplinary approach to the science and application of light. SPIE is all about applied science and engineering and runs the foremost conferences in the world for optics and photonics. SPIE events are internationally recognized as “the place to be” for creating unexpected and creative connections among academic, corporate, and government agencies.

Founded in 1955 and serving more than 180,000 constituents, SPIE annually organizes and sponsors 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. SPIE believes that giving back to the community is a core value and in 2012 provided more than $3.2 million in support of education and outreach around the world.

Advancing light-based science, engineering, and technology

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific.

In 2019, SPIE provided $5 million in support of education and outreach programs.

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies.

Serving 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth.

SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific, where more than 35,000 scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs showcase the latest innovations across a wide range of technologies.

SPIE publishes the SPIE Digital Library, the world’s largest collection of optics and photonics applied research with more than 500,000 papers from SPIE journals, conference proceedings and presentations, and eBooks. Research spans biomedicine, communications, sensors, defense and security, manufacturing, electronics, energy, and imaging.

In 2020, SPIE provided more than $5 million in community support including scholarships and awards, outreach and advocacy programs, travel grants, public policy, and educational resources.

Membership includes Fellows and Senior Member programs. The Society has named more than 1,500 SPIE Members as Fellows since 1955, and implemented its Senior Member program in 2008.

The SPIE awards program serves to recognize outstanding contributions from individuals throughout the scientific community.