WASHINGTON — The Optica Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of several of its 2026 prizes and fellowships . These programs provide support and recognition for the next generation of optics and photonics leaders.
“Congratulations to all the honorees. Through their research, service, and innovation, they are already making meaningful contributions to our field,” said Eric Mazur, Optica Foundation Board of Directors Chair. “We are proud to honor their achievements and excited to see the impact they will continue to have.”
The 2026 recipients are:
Bernard J. Couillaud Prize in Ultrafast Lasers
Ji Eun Bae, CIMAP, CNRS , France
For her work with mid-infrared high-repetition-rate ultrafast lasers
Gapontsev Prize for Innovations in Fiber Lasers
Marvin Edelmann , Harvard University, USA and DESY & University of Hamburg, Germany
For his work with application-aware adaptive fiber laser platforms for next-generation multiphoton imaging
Theodor W. Hänsch Prize in Quantum Optics
Aaron Young , Harvard University, USA
For his work with ultrafast and high-resolution spatial light modulation for cold atoms
Ivan Kaminow Outstanding Early Career Professional Prize
Marcelo Saito Nogueira , University of Limerick, Ireland
For his leadership and volunteer efforts with Optica and the optics and photonics community
Milton and Rosalind Chang Pivoting Fellowship
Timothy O. Imogore , StraalBox, Netherlands
For his work exploring how to transform photonics through gaming
Thomas F. Deutsch Fellowship in Biomedical Optics
Maya Shor Peled , Wellman Center for Photomedicine, USA
For her work with integrated photonic optical coherence tomography light sources and systems
About Optica Foundation
Established in 2002, the Optica Foundation carries out charitable activities in support of the society’s student and early career communities. We cultivate the next generation of leaders and innovators as they navigate advanced degree programs and become active members of research, engineering and business worldwide. The foundation also works to secure the endowments for Optica’s awards and honors programs. The foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. For more information, visit optica.org/foundation .
About Optica
Optica , Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the Society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org