ICO-26 Special sessions

Prof Catherine Hui Wang
Deputy Director: Department of Education, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr Yaseera Ismail
Stellenbosch University, South Africa

The Rose in Science and Elite (RISE) is a prestigious initiative launched by the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, as part of the 2015 United Nations’ International Year of Light celebrations. In 2021, RISE transitioned from an in-person event to a virtual one, expanding its reach and impact on a global scale. This transition was made possible through collaborations with iCANX and several international optical organizations including Optica, IEEE Photonics, SPIE, and the esteemed journal – Light: Science & Applications. These partnerships have not only broadened the event’s scope but also enhanced its influence within the scientific community worldwide.

We are excited to announce that RISE will be held as a special session at the International Congress on Optics (ICO26) taking place in South Africa. This marks the seventh instalment of RISE, an event that has become synonymous with bridging geographical divides and fostering heartfelt connections among participants. At its core, RISE celebrates the collaborative efforts of both women and men in advancing technological innovation across the globe.

Our mission with RISE is to guide young women who aspire to build careers in scientific research, helping them discover their unique “life coordinates.” We aim to showcase the endless possibilities that await them should they remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

A profound thought from a philosopher aptly captures the essence of RISE: “Roses do not bloom hurriedly; for beauty, like any masterpiece, takes time to blossom.” Yet, we hold firm in the belief that these beautiful roses will indeed flower, flourishing amidst the verdant expanse of science.

By participating in RISE at ICO26, attendees will not only engage with leading experts and cutting-edge research but also contribute to nurturing the next generation of female scientists. Join us in this journey of enlightenment and empowerment, where each participant plays a vital role in shaping a more inclusive and vibrant scientific landscape.

Angela Dudley
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
Associate Editor, JOSA A

Ulrike Fuchs
asphericon GmbH, Germany
Recent Associate Editor for Optics Express

Gerd Leuchs
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Germany
2024 Optica President

In this workshop, you will learn from journal editors about writing for and submitting to a scientific journal, and hear tips for navigating the peer review process. Bring your questions for the experts.

John Howell
President ICO

Hyperspectral and multispectral cameras have proven to be indispensable analysis tools in pre- and post-harvest agricultural inspection, in art restoration and preservation, in quality control of pharmaceuticals, in plastics recycling, in astronomical chemical analysis, in biological tissue discrimination to name a few. Multispectral and hyper spectral images contain many spectral data points per pixel. Such spectral content allows the user to see subtle differences or unique properties that are not detectable on standard cameras. Unfortunately, such cameras can be very expensive (up to tens of thousands of dollars) making them out of reach for most users. Recently, the International Commission for Optics (ICO) has developed the HyperPi program, a low-cost ($100-$200) method to build a multi[1]spectral camera using the Raspberry Pi motherboard and camera module that can be used in a wide variety of contexts. The program serves many purposes. First, the low cost allows resource-constrained researchers around the world to use the powerful features of the cameras to perform state-of-the-art research. Second, student chapters who engage in the project learn about 3D printing, electronics, image analysis, programming, artificial intelligence, and feedback. It can become an important tool in their experimental physics/engineering/optics training. Third, the cameras can be used to benefit lives, such as improving crop yields, maintaining water purity, enabling plastics sorting and recycling and eliminating tainted or bogus pharmaceuticals—significant issues that affect the developing world. The first successful demonstration of the camera is the HyperActivePi (Figs. 1, 2, 3). Groups in Ecuador, the United States and South Africa are working on developing their models as well as experiments that can utilize the HyperPi including: post-harvest food monitoring, tissue discrimination, forest monitoring and wheat stress. At the upcoming ICO General Assembly, we will hear from these researchers and learn about their findings.