The awards, now in their tenth edition, aim to foster scientific communication and education in optics and photonics. They are divided into two categories: "Emitted Photon" and "Absorbed Photon." The deadline for submitting nominations is April 1, 2027.
The "Emitted Photon" award recognizes efforts in communicating and popularizing the scientific, technological, and social impact of research in optics and photonics. It is open to authors of articles, podcasts, or outreach works published or broadcast in Spanish media during 2026. This award includes two subcategories: Written Work and Other Formats, each with a prize of 1,000 euros, co-sponsored by the Southern European Cluster in Photonics and Optics (SECPhO).
The "Absorbed Photon" award aims to promote science education and research in optics and photonics among primary and secondary school students. Pedagogical initiatives that enable students to understand and engage in the research process, and are reproducible and adaptable to other school environments, will be particularly valued. The winning teaching team will receive a certificate and trophy, and their school will be awarded educational materials worth an estimated 1,000 euros.
The rules and guidelines for this tenth edition of the Fotón Awards, as well as winning projects from previous years, can be found on the official website of the CSIC's Institute of Optics.
