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The Premios Fotón bring optics closer to media and classrooms across Spain
CSIC and the Sociedad Española de Óptica announce the tenth edition of the Premios Fotón, with awards for outreach work and school projects. Applications can be submitted until 1 April 2027.
Scientific communication works can compete for €1,000 in each of the two subcategories of Fotón emitido.
The Instituto de Óptica del CSIC and the Sociedad Española de Óptica are promoting this tenth edition to encourage the dissemination and teaching of optics and photonics, disciplines related to the study of light and its applications. In Fotón emitido, authors of content published or broadcast in Spanish media during 2026 can participate, whether in the press, radio, or television.
Two categories for disseminating and teaching optics
The category aimed at professionals recognises original works on the scientific, technological, and social impact of research in optics and photonics. Written work includes articles and books, as well as texts from plays. Other formats include videos and podcasts, in addition to theatrical performances. Each subcategory receives €1,000, with co-sponsorship from Southern European Cluster in Photonics and Optics (SECPhO).
The jury will assess the interest of the topics and the rigour of the content. They will also consider the clarity with which research results are explained and the impact the works have had or could have on their audience.
Fotón absorbido is aimed at educational centres within the Spanish education system. They can submit pedagogical projects developed during the current or immediately preceding school year, with proposals for students in Educación Primaria y Secundaria. Special consideration will be given to projects where students understand and participate in the research process, as well as acquire knowledge.
The activities must also be reproducible and adaptable to other school environments. The teaching team responsible for the winning project will receive a diploma and a trophy; the centre will receive educational materials valued at approximately €1,000.
Optics and photonics connect the study of light with its applications, and the awards bring this field to the media and classrooms. In the regional science outreach agenda, the science activities in Tres Cantos will take place from 6 to 21 November. The CSIC call also distinguishes between works disseminated in 2026 and school projects linked to the current or previous school year.
The deadline for submitting applications is 1 April 2027. The full rules and information about works awarded in previous editions are available on the Instituto de Óptica del CSIC website.