SPIE Women in Optics

Promoting personal and professional growth for women
A large group of Women in Optics pose for a photo at SPIE Advanced Lithography

A community of their own

The SPIE Women in Optics program promotes, supports, and engages women in optics and photonics fields through community building, networking opportunities, and by encouraging young women to choose optics as a career.

X icon Follow Women in Optics on X Follow Women in Optics on X ...

Women In Optics notebook


Since 2005, SPIE has produced an annual Women in Optics notebook (formerly formatted as a daily planner) highlighting women who are making a difference through their work and other contributions to the fields of science, optics, and engineering. Along with promoting female scientists, it serves to introduce girls, women, and underrepresented groups to the possibilities of careers in all sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Seven thousand copies of the planner are printed and distributed, free of charge, in more than 25 countries worldwide annually. We are happy to provide free copies to SPIE Members and constituents, career counselors, science teachers, and community clubs, as well as anyone interested in supporting and promoting diversity in STEM.

Cover image of the 2025 Women in Optics notebook
Cover collage of Women in Optics planners from 2005, 2009, and 2020

Honor women shaping the future


Icon: Nominate for the 2026 edition Nominate for the 2026 edition Nominate for the 2026 edition ...

Browse by year


Thanks to this year's notebook sponsors