Engaging Optics: Welcoming the 2025 SPIE Women in Optics notebook

Observing the mechanics of an MRI machine. Reading a paper on integrated photonics by Ricard A. Soref. Studying plants with a mini microscope during childhood. Elementary-school experience as an impromptu science communicator. A desire to help expand healthcare in resource-limited areas. The lives of Marie Curie and Ada Lovelace, and the books of Isaac Asimov. The X-Files’ Dana Scully. And, always, supportive parents, teachers, and mentors.

These are just a few of the life-changing inspirations cited by the women featured in the 2025 SPIE Women in Optics notebook, the various modern-day Rosetta Stones that unlocked access to science and technology for them, leading to their thriving careers in optics and photonics.

The SPIE Women in Optics notebook — which has been published annually since 2005 — was created as a compelling and informative resource for those considering careers in optics, photonics, and other STEM fields. Two decades later, the publication retains its original premise, its dynamic and colorful pages showcasing the career trajectories of scientists, engineers, researchers, and industry leaders as they share their achievements, challenges, and ambitions.

Early-career professionals, professors, project managers, and CEOs alike address the most transformative moments in their careers so far, from finding the appropriate optics-focused courses and securing startup funding, to the crucial aspects of networking and establishing support systems. They highlight their optics and photonics outreach activities, their mentorship of others, and the ways in which they’ve pursued their goals while navigating surprises, setbacks, and successes.  As Juniyali Nauriyal, researcher and CEO of Photonect, notes: “Science is a field where only your mental strength matters; gender does not define how smart and innovative you are.”

The notebook’s comprehensive range of profiles showcases the diversity of the international optics and photonics community. The academics, engineers, and business leaders in this year’s notebook hail from across the globe, and their areas of expertise encompass Raman spectroscopy in healthcare settings; leveraging laser technologies for product development; quantum optics that capture the most minute of light-matter interactions; quantum telecommunications; building innovative optical tools and leading optical-engineering projects for major companies; corporate photonics-communications strategies; the development of lithography platforms; leading on astronomical instrumentation projects for international observatories; and creating platforms that provide component access for engineers.

Energized by engaging voices and visions, the SPIE Women in Optics notebook also features plenty of blank pages for personal and professional notes, as well as some of the most paradigm-shifting optics and photonics advances of the past 20 years.  Up front, a calendar segment features STEM-focused days: International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (27 February), International Women’s Day (8 March), the International Day of Light (16 May), and International Women in Engineering Day (23 June).

The notebook is available at no cost to science teachers, educators, career counselors, community clubs, students, and the general public. SPIE offers both downloadable versions and print copies on its website. We also welcome your input: please add your nomination for the inspiring role models who will be featured in the 2026 SPIE Women in Optics notebook.