We are pleased to present the latest edition of the Polish Newsletter on Optics and Photonics.. This month brought a wealth of good news: important awards for scientists, dynamic changes in the environment, and inspiring technological initiatives. We are particularly pleased with the growing presence of optics and photonics in national and European projects — from groundbreaking semiconductor technologies, through the development of satellite systems, to discoveries in the field of quantum physics.

In the meantime, we invite you to read PNOF and share information with us.

Candela Foundation

Polish Technological Platform on Photonics

Konrad Banaszek, a researcher at the University of Warsaw, has been honoured with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. The award was granted for outstanding achievements in scientific research, contribution to the development of new technologies and popularisation of Polish scientific thought around the world. Congratulations!

(photo by candela)

Wojciech Knap from the Warsaw University of Technology and the Institute of High Pressure Physics PAS was among the winners of this year's Foundation for Polish Science Award. Wojciech Knap was awarded in the field of mathematical, physical and engineering sciences for developing new methods of detecting, amplifying and generating terahertz waves for ultra-fast wireless communication. Congratulations! (Photo from private archives)

On 1 November, Igor Deryło took up the position of Director of Operation of the Polish Technological Plafrom on Photonics! Congratulations on your new role!

On 13 November 2025, the Polish node of the European Wide Band Gap Semiconductors Pilot Line project, implemented by Łukasiewicz–IMiF, was inaugurated. The initiative develops WBG semiconductors, including GaN and Ga₂O₃, which are key for energy, electromobility and 5G. This is an important step for Poland's position in microelectronics. (Photo by Łukasiewicz-IMIF)

An exceptional 25 years for ophthalmology — a new website presents the history and development of OCT optical technology with Fourier detection, developed by a team led by Maciej Wojtkowski, enabling microscopic, non-invasive eye diagnostics.

Wrocław has awarded doctoral scholarships to young scientists, including researchers working in fields such as optics and photonics. The city supports the development of key areas of science and technology by creating a favourable environment for ambitious talent. Congratulations to all the winners!

The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development has announced the 27th edition of the ‘Polish Product of the Future’ competition for innovative technologies – the main prize is PLN 100,000. We also encourage you to submit products in the field of optics and photonics. Submissions are open until 13 January 2026.