Grant opportunity
SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest 2026
SPIE's annual International Day of Light Photo Contest invites images that show the cultural, economic, scientific and social impact of light in communities and on the planet.
- Funder
- SPIE
- Submission deadline: 16 September 2026
- Submission deadline: 16 September 2026: Sep 16, 2026
- Award
- USD 5,000 total prizes, including USD 2,500 first prize, USD 1,000 second prize, USD 500 third prize and USD 1,000 Judges' Choice for Best of Science
- Applicant
- Photographers and visual storytellers worldwide, except SPIE and optics.org employees, judges, contractors and their immediate families.
- Discipline
- Arts, Culture, Journalism and Public Diplomacy
- Region
- Global
- Posted
- Jun 24, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest is an annual global contest intended to raise awareness of the International Day of Light and show how light affects culture, science, economies and everyday life.
Who can apply
The contest is open internationally, but SPIE and optics.org employees, contest judges, consultants, contractors and immediate family members are not eligible.
What it supports
- Photography and visual storytelling
- Light in science and society
- Cultural, economic and environmental impact
- Science communication
Funding and duration
- Total prizes amount to USD 5,000.
- Prize categories include first, second and third prizes, plus a Judges' Choice for Best of Science prize.
Submission deadline: 16 September 2026
Submission deadline: 16 September 2026: Sep 16, 2026
How to apply
Submit entries through SPIE's official contest entry page by 16 September 2026.
Call details
Source-based overview
The SPIE International Day of Light Photo Contest is an annual global contest intended to raise awareness of the International Day of Light and show how light affects culture, science, economies and everyday life. The contest is open internationally, but SPIE and optics.org employees, contest judges, consultants, contractors and immediate family members are not eligible. Photography and visual storytelling Light in science and society Cultural, economic and environmental impact Science communication Total prizes amount to USD 5,000. Prize categories include first, second and third prizes, plus a Judges' Choice for Best of Science prize. Submit entries through SPIE's official contest entry page by 16 September 2026.
Eligibility
The contest is open internationally, but SPIE and optics.org employees, contest judges, consultants, contractors and immediate family members are not eligible.
Funding and benefits
Total prizes amount to USD 5,000.
Prize categories include first, second and third prizes, plus a Judges' Choice for Best of Science prize.
Themes and supported activities
Photography and visual storytelling
Light in science and society
Cultural, economic and environmental impact
Science communication
Deadline and timeline
Submission deadline: 16 September 2026: Submission deadline: 16 September 2026: Sep 16, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Submit entries through SPIE's official contest entry page by 16 September 2026.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.