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The Gapontsev Prize for Innovations in Fiber Lasers provides recognition and funding for early-career professionals engaged in exciting and innovative projects with the potential to make a meaningful and positive impact on the science and applications of fiber laser technologies.

The goal of this Prize is to support innovative research that pushes the boundaries of fiber lasers and has real-world applications. Recipients will be granted total research freedom, with consideration being given to the following:

1. Work focused on advancing basic research or pursuing a compelling project that has a meaningful global impact.
2. Efforts focused on transitioning an idea into a commercial innovation.

The recipient will receive a USD 20,000 prize to support their project/proposal, plus travel expenses to attend the Optica Laser Congress and Exhibition in the year the prize is awarded. This is a personal prize and is not renewable.

The Gapontsev Prize for Innovations in Fiber Lasers is made possible thanks to the generous support of the VPG Foundation.

Important Dates:

Opens: 2 March 2026
Closes: 1 May 2026

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an Optica member.
• Must be an early career professional (1-5 years post-highest degree*) 
• Must be conducting research in fiber laser technology. Examples of eligible disciplines include: fundamental and theoretical advances; advanced manufacturing and materials processing; medical applications and biophotonics; energy production and nuclear fusion; art, conservation, and cultural heritage preservation.

*Applicants must be within 1 – 5 years of completing their highest degree. Program requirements exclude breaks from career timelines (e.g., eldercare; maternity or paternity leave; military service, long-term illness, or inability to work due to Covid-19 or lab closures).

Application Requirements

1. Applicant name, affiliation, and contact information
2. Applicant CV/Resume (no more than four (4) pages)
3. Research Proposal Title and 150-word Proposal Summary
4. Research Proposal (no more than two (2) pages) covering:
   1. Current research and the intended goals
   2. Potential impact of your project to advance the field of fiber lasers
   3. Potential for your research to solve real-world challenges and/or have a global impact
   4. An overview of how the USD 20,000 prize would benefit your research and career
5. One (1) example of published work 
6. Two (2) letters of recommendation

If you have questions, please contact prizes@optica.org.