Optica, the world’s leading society for light science and technology, just announced a big shift in its leadership. The incoming Board of Directors for the 2026 term brings together top academic minds and key industry players.
This blend shows Optica’s drive to push photonics research forward—and keep it relevant for both science and business. It’s a smart mix, considering how fast things move in photonics these days.
Optica’s 2026 Leadership: An Overview
Optica picked Alexander Gaeta of Columbia University as Vice President for 2026. That puts him on track to become President in the next cycle.
Gaeta’s been a trusted figure in the international photonics community for decades. His forty-plus years of research and steady involvement with the society say a lot about his reputation.
Alexander Gaeta: Bridging Academia and Industry
But Gaeta’s more than just an academic. He’s also chaired Optica’s Strategic Planning Council, shaping where the organization is headed.
He’s known for connecting university research to real-world industry needs—a skill that’s become crucial as photonics keeps finding new commercial uses, from telecom to quantum computing.
Optica’s CEO, Elizabeth Nolan, called out Gaeta’s knack for getting academia and industry to work together. That kind of teamwork is what keeps photonics research practical and impactful.
The New Directors at Large
Three new Directors at Large will join Gaeta on the board. Each one brings something different to the table, making Optica’s leadership even stronger.
Thomas Brown: Elevating Optical Research
Thomas Brown, Professor of Optics at the University of Rochester, stands out for his work in both applied and theoretical optics. His background helps the board keep up with tough scientific developments and stay grounded in the basics that spark innovation.
Kaoru Minoshima: International Academic Leadership
Kaoru Minoshima, Vice-President at Japan’s University of Electro-Communications, brings a global view to photonics research. She’s led major international collaborations, putting Optica in a good spot to boost cross-border knowledge and drive big research projects in light science.
Marisa Edmund: Strengthening Industry Connections
From the business side, Marisa Edmund of Edmund Optics brings hands-on experience with photonics commercialization. She keeps Optica’s strategies in tune with what the market needs, from new products to scaling up tech for wider use.
Guiding Optica’s Strategic Direction
These appointments highlight how much Optica depends on volunteers and steady leadership. That mix gives the group stability but still lets in fresh perspectives to tackle new challenges.
Between 2026 and 2028, the board wants to blend cutting-edge research with real-world solutions. They’re aiming for advances in photonics that actually help scientists, engineers, and the industries—and communities—that count on light-based tech.
The Evolving Photonics Landscape
Photonics—the science and tech of light—keeps shaking up everything from healthcare to aerospace, data, and clean energy. The pace is wild, so the right leaders need to:
Innovation Meets Practical Application
Bringing together academic research and industry practice isn’t just an organizational checkbox—it’s absolutely vital if photonics wants to keep shaping the future. Right now, Optica’s new board faces this head-on, at a time when light-based tech is ramping up data speeds, making sensors smarter, and even opening doors in quantum information science.
With leaders like Gaeta, Brown, Minoshima, and Edmund in the mix, Optica’s got a pretty strong shot at staying ahead. They’re steering the society toward real, tangible impact in both research and the market.
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Here is the source article for this story: Optica Announces New Board Of Directors Members For 2026 Term