About IYL2015

The International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies (IYL 2015) is a global initiative adopted by the United Nations to raise awareness of how optical technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to worldwide challenges in energy, education, agriculture, communications and health.

A single light of science

(Introduction for Ibn Al-Haytham starts at minute 01:50)

2015 is the International Year of Light and Light-based Technology (IYL 2015), as people around the world celebrate the remarkable properties of light and its applications. In this short film you will meet people working in some of the key focus areas of IYL 2015, including Nobel laureates, development professionals and a range of people from the creative industries… Read More>>>

What is its goal?

The goal of IYL 2015 is to highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their futures and for the development of society.

How will it achieve its goal?

IYL 2015 programs will promote improved public and political understanding of the central role of light in the modern world while also celebrating noteworthy anniversaries in 2015—from the first studies of optics 1,000 years ago to discoveries in optical communications that power the Internet today.

Who is Secretariat?

The IYL Global Secretariat is located at the International Centre of Theoretical Physics (ICTP), in collaboration with the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Program.

What organizations support IYL 2015?

IYL 2015 is endorsed by a number of international scientific unions and the International Council of Science, and has more than 100 partners from more than 85 countries. In addition to 1001 Inventions, the Founding Partners of IYL 2015 are the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the American Physical Society (APS), the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft (DPG), the European Physical Society (EPS), the IEEE Photonics Society (IPS), the Institute of Physics (IOP), the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), the lightsources.org International Network, The Optical Society (OSA).

How did IYL 2015 come about?

A resolution welcoming and endorsing an International Year of Light in 2015 was first adopted by the UNESCO Executive Board at its 190th session in October 2012. The IYL 2015 resolution was submitted to the United Nations Second Committee in November 2013 by the nation of Mexico, and delegates from both Mexico and New Zealand spoke in support of the submission. The resolution was adopted at the 68th session of the U.N. General Assembly in Paris with co-sponsorship from 35 countries.

When will IYL 2015 events begin?

IYL 2015 will kick-off with opening ceremonies to be held 19-20 January 2015 in Paris.

Where can I get more information?

Website: www.light2015.org
Secretariat: light2015@ictp.it