SPIE Hosted Professional Grant

Paving the way for rising professionals in optics and photonics

Partnering for professional growth

Advancing light-based research and technologies requires collaboration, opportunity, and connections. Made possible by the generous support of industry sponsors, the SPIE Hosted Professional Grant boosts the careers of SPIE Members by facilitating SPIE conference attendance. The program also aims to make SPIE events more accessible to underrepresented groups.

Two people conversing at an SPIE exhibition

A win-win for sponsors and recipients

We all win when we work together to elevate the optics and photonics workforce. 

Sponsors: Sign up to promote the growth of the optics and photonics industry by giving new talent and diverse perspectives a chance to advance their career at an SPIE conference.  

Applicants: If you’re an SPIE Member seeking to attend one of the world-renowned SPIE meetings, submit your application today.  

Grants are currently available for travel support to attend SPIE Optics and Photonics (2023), SPIE Defense and Commercial Sensing (2024), and SPIE Photonics West (2024). 

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FAQs

  • Up to $1,700 for domestic airfare/lodging, up to $2,000 for international airfare/lodging
  • One non-transferable conference registration fee waiver

It is strongly recommended when purchasing your airfare, you carefully review the company’s cancellation policy. SPIE will only reimburse for airfare/lodging if recipients are able to attend. 

 

  • Recognition for support of this program at the corresponding SPIE meeting, as well as in various online promotions throughout the year
  • Various opportunities to network with grant recipients at the SPIE meeting  
  • Input on selection criteria for grant applicants, including work experience, education, and area of study

The number of grants awarded to a specific SPIE meeting will vary, depending on the number of sponsors funding the program. 

  • Must be a current Member of SPIE with an active Membership through the dates of the conference you are presenting at or attending
  • Grant recipients must secure visa to travel

Applicants can apply for more than one SPIE meeting but can only be selected for sponsorship of one SPIE meeting per year.

  • All applicants will be notified approximately 2-3 weeks after the application deadline
  • If awarded, travel funding will be reimbursed after the conference via bank transfer. Receipts for airfare and/or lodging will be required.
  • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered