Eventi
8 Years of UNESCO International Day of Light
By ADV
Pubblicato il
Aprile 2025
INDICE
The International Day of Light (IDL) is an annual observance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that provides a focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy.
After the success of the International Year of Light in 2015, it was clear that the proclamation of an International Day of Light would further contribute to raising the profile of science and technology, stimulating education, and in improving the quality of life worldwide. Since its inauguration in 2018, the International Day of Light has seen almost 3000 events taking place in over 61 countries reaching new audiences every year, especially in regions with minimal means of support for outreach events. Events organised range from classroom/online lessons, optics workshops in schools, open days to multi-day conferences, public exhibitions and light festivals.
The International Day of Light is held on May 16th every year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. The laser is a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare and many other fields. Moreover, the broad theme of light will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrate how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace. From time to time, IDL focuses on themes for the International Day of Light, and this year the IDL steering committee encourages activities structured around the theme of Light, Innovation, Society.
Light: A catalyst for advancing science, technology, innovation and development
The 2025 theme highlights the multiple ways in which light-based technologies advance science, drive innovation, and increase societal well-being. For example, light is at the centre of many scientific advances in fields such as optics and photonics, while engineering and technological innovations in areas such as solar energy and medical imaging improve our quality of life, and support sustainable development for the benefit of society. This theme also closely aligns with the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, since it was the study of light and its properties that was central to the development of quantum mechanics in the early 20th century, a domain of science which is revolutionising our world today.
Every year the IDL steering committee invites people worldwide, of all ages and all backgrounds, to organise and register their events for the global celebration on a national, regional and international level. Registering an event for IDL, is a great chance to become part of the international light science and applications outreach community, and to make a significant societal impact by raising awareness of the applications of light science and technology, sustainable development, and promoting science education through the highly-accessible subject of light. Our website contains useful resources and information to help one get started and plan activities for the 2025 celebrations. We are looking forward to yet another successful global celebration of the science of light.
For contact
Geethu Paulose (she/her)
Communications Coordinator International Day of Light
Website: www.lightday.org
Email: [email protected]
Date: May 16th annually
Where: Worldwide
Social Media
Instagram (@internationaldayoflight)
Twitter (@IDLofficial)
Facebook (@InternationalDayOfLight)
Linkedin (International Day of Light)
Bluesky (@idlofficial.bsky.social)
LEGGI DI PIÚ
Eventi
Il “Paso Doble” di Antonio Marras e Maria Lai, fra ombre e luce
BY Cristina Tirinzoni | 6 Mar 26
