Dear Supporters of the International Day of Light,
We continue to receive news and event notifications on a daily basis, and it is wonderful to see such enthusiasm developing for the International Day of Light in 2024. Our ever-growing list of event registrations shows how activities are being planned around the world, on broad themes including science-themed conferences, outreach displays, lighting tutorials, festivals and more. Events have already been registered from 32 countries, and a number of worldwide campaigns are also being planned. Please register your events as soon as you can to ensure they are included!
And we appreciate just how much work and commitment goes into organising such events, so don't hesitate to let us know if you wish us to highlight your plans via our newsletter. This can be a great way to give you some well-deserved recognition! And if you may be involved in organising a technical or science-themed conference this year, why not think about including a special session related to outreach, education or training? Our experience is that such sessions are very enthusiastically attended, and provide a great forum for meeting new collaborators.
In the newsletter items below, we continue to highlight the activities and plans of our partners, With the theme for 2024 covering the very broad topic of Light in Our Lives, we can naturally highlight many different areas of science, art and culture, architecture, and more. Also, remember that we can recognise events throughout the year promoting the goals of the International Day of Light and so events need not be limited only to 16 May.
Also, remember that we have simplified our registration form in case you are organising multiple events. As usual, the website contains useful information about all aspects of event organisation. We understand that organisations may have their own activity timetable for education, outreach, and awards, and so we are always happy to link these events to the International Day of Light whenever they occur in the year. You can register them yourselves or get in touch with us below.
We encourage you all to continue following and engaging with our social media channels using the hashtag #lightday2024 and the official channels: @IDLOfficial on Twitter, @InternationalDayOfLight on Instagram: @InternationalDayOfLight on Facebook; @International Day Of Light on LinkedIn.
John Dudley and Joseph Niemela
IDL 2024 Steering Committee Chairs
Email: john.dudley@univ-fcomte.fr
Email: niemela@ictp.it
Geethu Paulose
IDL Communications Coordinator
Email: contact@lightday.org
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CIE Art and Poetry Contest celebrating 100 years of V(λ)
2024 is a landmark year for the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) as they celebrate the centenary of the establishment of the V(λ) spectral luminous efficiency function for photopic vision. This curve describes how our eyes respond to different wavelengths of light and forms the foundation of the physical measurement of light. This allows measuring instruments to be designed and calibrated so that they can detect light as humans see it. This impacts on diverse aspects of our daily lives, including the lighting we use in our homes and workplaces, the display technology we interact with, and the visibility and energy efficiency of public lighting.
To celebrate the V(λ) centenary, CIE is running a competition that is seeking artistic contributions in the form of poems or visual art. Poems are welcome in English, French, or German (the historic languages of the CIE) and may be in any poetic style. Visual art may take any form, including sculpture, painting, photography, video, media art and installations, etc., so long as the submission can be shared electronically in a standard format. The best submissions will be revealed at the CCPR/CIE Joint Workshop on 100 Years of V(λ) and the Future of Photometry, which will be held at the prestigious Pavillon de Breteuil at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) in Sèvres, France, on June 3, 2024. For full details and link to make a submission, please see the contest webpage. Submissions will be open until April 30, 2024.
Contact
Dr. Diana Wernisch
Secretary General CIE – International Commission on Illumination
Email: ciecb@cie.co.at
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Join the live announcement of The Daylight Award 2024 laureates
On the International Day of Light 16 May 2024 at 18:00 (CEST) in Copenhagen, Denmark, The Daylight Award will announce the 2024 Laureates for Daylight Research and Daylight in Architecture. The ceremony will be livestreamed to a global audience.
The highly acclaimed jury of the 2024 award – Juhani Pallasmaa (chair), Dorte Mandrup, Russell Foster, Iwan Baan, Yvonne de Kort, Michael J. Balick, and Gerd Folkers – will be announcing the 2024 Laureates for Daylight Research and Daylight in Architecture at the award ceremony in the Danish Architecture Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. The program will be livestreamed from thedaylightaward.com website. We invite the global community of architects, researchers, scientists, building professionals, educators, students, members of the press, and everyone interested in daylight and its impact on human health and well-being to join the livestreaming and enjoy the announcement and live lectures by the laureates. Sign up here to receive event notifications and join the live announcement.
About The Daylight Award
The Daylight Award interlinks disciplines that are usually addressed in separated, monocultural spheres, professional circles, or practices. It honours and supports daylight research and daylight in architecture, and it acknowledges and encourages scientific knowledge and practical application of daylight. The Daylight Award strives to raise a holistic understanding of daylight and increase its positive impact on life by building bridge between research and architectural practice. The Daylight Award for Research is awarded to individuals or smaller groups of scientists who have distinguished themselves as outstanding contributors to internationally recognised daylight research. It acknowledges highly original and influential advances in the areas of natural science, human science, or social science, with special emphasis on the effects of daylight on human health, well-being, and performance. The Daylight Award for Architecture is awarded to one or more architects or other professionals who have distinguished themselves by realising architecture or creating urban environments that showcase unique use of daylight. Special emphasis will be put on architecture that considers the overall quality of life, its impact on human health, well-being and performance, and its value to society. For more information including names and biographies of previous laureates, please visit The Daylight Award website. A direct link to the sign up page is here.
Contact
Jadrana Curkovic
The Daylight Award Communication
Email: jadrana@thedaylightaward.com
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The International Commission for Optics Prize
The International Commission for Optics (ICO) established the ICO Prize in 1982. The prize is awarded every year to an individual who has made a noteworthy contribution to optics before the age of 40. The deadline to submit a nomination for the current call of the ICO Prize is 15th June 2024. Details of nomination requirements and the documentation to be provided can be found here.
Contact
Prof. Leszek Sirko
Chairperson of the ICO Award
Email: sirko@ifpan.edu.pl
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Register now for the International VELUX Award 2024!
The registration deadline is fast approaching, so don't forget to register before the 14th of April to submit your project within the 30th of May. The International VELUX Award for students of Architecture is a global competition that has been running for 20 years, exploring the role of daylight in architecture under the theme "Light of Tomorrow." Seize this opportunity to showcase your innovative ideas, as prizes up to €5,000 await the winners selected by an international jury. Additionally, 10 regional winners will enjoy an expenses-paid trip to Europe to attend an architectural event later this year.
REGISTER NOW
KEY DATES
Registration closes: 14 April 2024 (deadline 23:59 UTC-12)
Submission upload opens: 15 April 2024
Submission upload ends: 30 May 2024 (deadline 23:59 UTC-12)
Regional winners are announced: June 2024
Regional winners workshop/presentations to the jury/Global winners announcement: 26 - 30 August 2024
LEARN MORE
Contact Email: iva@velux.com
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International logos in 36 languages
Thanks to help from our many volunteers, we have the International Day of Light logo available in 36 languages! Please see our resources page for downloads. Remember to click on "Show More" to see the full range that is available.
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International Day of Light events in Pakistan
The Active learning in Optics Group from the Department of Physics of Quaid.i.Azam University, Islamabad (Pakistan) is a strong supporter of the International Day of Light, and carries out a range of optics-related events each year. In 2023, a total of 10 outreach events were carried out at different schools and institutes: Quaid.i.Azam University physics department; Quaid.i.Azam University school; the International Islamic University in Islamabad; the Fatima Jinnah Women’s University in Rawalpindi; Mardan Women’s University; Swabi Women’s University; and the University of Swat. And for 2024, events have already begun with a visit to Fatima Jinnah Women's University on 7 March. These events include a wide range of activities tailored to the particular local audience, including presentations and workshops, and many hands-on demonstrations for students and young children.
These activities are carried out with invaluable support from SPIE and other partners such as ICTP. But it is essential to stress how difficult the organisation of outreach events is in Pakistan. There are major economic problems that have impacted regular funding, and education is often not a priority for young people (especially girls) in remote areas of the country. Moreover, travel in Pakistan can be difficult, and driving to areas such as the Swat Valley requires many weeks of planning and days away from home. It is only because of the remarkable effort of volunteers to commit their own personal time and money, that such educational activities can be carried out.
Yet thanks to the enthusiasm of the teachers, the impact of science-related outreach events on young people is never in doubt. The success of these events in Pakistan highlights the importance of actions such as the International Day of Light which are implemented under the banner of UNESCO and with the support of international partners.
Any partners willing to support further actions in Pakistan should feel free to reach out to the contact address below.
Contact
Dr. Imrana Zahid
ICTP Senior Associate.
Laureate of Optica Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy Recognition.
Email: iashraf@ictp.it
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Daylight Talk #19 with Francesco Veenstra
The 2024 ‘Daylight Talk’ series continues with Francesco Veenstra, Chief Government Architect in the Netherlands since 2021, who will give the talk titled ‘Transitional Society: A delicate balancing act.’ The talk discusses the implications global transitions are having in our cities, the countryside, and industrial areas. In order to better understand which decisions we have to take to meet international climate goals, which transitions are needed towards a circular economy, and to ensure a robust natural biodiverse environment, we have to put our focus ahead towards the next century. The Daylight Talk is presented in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and will be available to watch on the D/A website from 23 April 2024.
READ MORE
About Daylight Talks: Daylight Talks is a series of free, online video lectures curated by D/A Daylight and Architecture and organised in partnership with prominent architectural schools around the world. These talks explore the significance of using natural light in architecture and feature designers and educators actively working with daylighting in their projects and educational programs. Supported by the VELUX Group, the Daylight Talks have been endorsed by the International Union of Architects (UIA) and the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE).
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Event registration is easy!
We are welcoming registrations on our global calendar for the International Day of Light 2024. Remember that events throughout the year can be registered for inclusion, and we have also simplified our registration form in case you are organising multiple events under a common banner. For those who cannot access Google Forms to register, please download and fill in our registration form and send it to contact@lightday.org with the subject 'IDL 2024 Event Registration.' Events are typically included on the calendar within 3 days of registration.
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Don't forget the Solar Eclipse on 8 April 2024
Monday, April 8 2024 will see a total solar eclipse crossing North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11.07 Pacific Daylight Time. Solar eclipses are remarkable and rare phenomena, and with the theme for IDL 2024 covering the very broad topic of Light in Our Lives, if you live in the areas that will experience the eclipse, why not organise a viewing in collaboration with local groups and schools.
You can click on this convenient map to find the time of the eclipse in your location. Of course, please make sure to take all precautions to protect your eyes and use only approved eclipse viewing glasses or view in some other safe way such as projection. Please remember to register any event or viewing activity you may be planning. We also know of several IDL partners already planning viewing events, and through online streaming, the eclipse will be able to be followed worldwide. If you are organising an event, please be sensitive to the fact that eclipses may have a special and solemn significance in some indigenous communities, extending in some cases to prohibition to actually participate in observation. Please take this into account if needed, in order to ensure that your events are as inclusive as possible.
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Start planning for #lightday2024 now!
It is never too early to start thinking about and planning an event for the International Day of Light in 2024. Remember that speakers are often in high demand during May for international conferences, and it's best to give them as much advance notice as possible - even if you are asking for online participation. Planning early also gives you the opportunity to contact local sources of financial support (e.g. your school, university, or institute) and to make contact with other partners such as those on the International Day of Light Steering Committee. Remember to check out our resources and event guidelines, and to let us know of anything you may be planning.
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IDL 2024 Celebrations in India
Our National Nodes play a central role in communicating IDL objectives and encouraging events that help achieve our goals from various institutes and grassroots organisations. Our National Node coordinator of India, Dr. Zahid H. Khan, has over many years facilitated a range of very interesting events for the International Day of Light covering topics ranging from light-matter interactions and laser applications to enlightening humanity. Events have been coordinated with schools, universities, and other partners throughout the country, and we summarise two planned events for 2024 below. The next newsletter in April will summarise further exciting events.
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Visual Art and Light exhibition by the Faculty of Fine Arts, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Light and art are parallel concepts that illuminate human experiences and inspire the world to be a better and more awakened place. In the light of these thoughts, the Faculty of Fine Arts of Jamia Millia Islamia is organising a special exhibition for IDL 2024 focusing on amalgamating Visual Art and Light and the concept of 'However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light'. Students of the Faculty of Fine Arts will contribute to this stimulating exhibition with a life-size kinetic installation showcasing that, even with well thought-out plans, it can all be in vain without the presence of light. They will construct a pond filled with beautiful flowers, but one that will only be visible after they illuminate it using Fanush paper lanterns. As the lights drift upwards, their reflections on the installation will show that even with one single source of light, darkness can be extinguished.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Bindulika Sharma
Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
Email: bsharma2@jmi.ac.in
Image credit: Faculty of Fine Arts, JMI
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Laser Workshop by Telangana Science Fair Academy, Hyderabad
For the past 16 years, the non-profit and voluntary organisation Telangana Science Fair Academy (TSFA) has been organising inter-school Science and Engineering Fair competitions at regional levels, providing a platform for students to showcase their scientific research projects annually. The team is led by Dr. Qazi S. Azher (USA) and aims to promote scientific methodologies and encourage scientific research among school teachers and students. The Academy is moving ahead under the able guidance and support of its President, Dr. Azizur Rahman Khan. As part of the UNESCO IDL 2024 celebrations, the Academy is organising a Laser Workshop of four-hour duration for school children from grade IV to undergraduate level to acquaint them with the basics of lasers and their vast applications. Participation will be in three broad disciplines: physical science, life science, and environmental science, and the competition will be divided into divisions based on grade levels. Selected finalists could have the opportunity to represent the academy at prestigious national and international competitions. The participants can expect a highly interactive and engaging academic environment where they can learn and share knowledge from experts in the field.
Contact
Ms Ghafoor Unnisa
Treasurer & organising secretary - TSFA, Hyderabad
Email: tsfa.org@gmail.com
Image credit: TSFA
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