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.

In honor of Valentin Gapontsev's groundbreaking work, this award champions emerging researchers passionate about advancing fiber laser technology. By empowering early-career talent, it fosters the potential for groundbreaking innovations and real-world applications. Recognizing the critical role of innovative research, the prize underscores the importance of pushing the boundaries of fiber lasers, in line with Gapontsev's vision for technological advancement.  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.

Application Information:

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 the area of quantum optics. Examples of eligible disciplines include: optical systems, metrology, cryptography and keys, computing, single-photon emitters, low-noise photodetectors, optical traps, cold atom.

*Program requirements recognize and 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 and 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 quantum optics
   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.