The University of Bath officially launched its new Centre for Photonics on Monday 1 June 2026, bringing together researchers, industry representatives and external partners to celebrate the University's internationally recognised strengths in the science and technology of light.

Held in the Department of Physics' new facilities in 8 West, the launch event attracted around 80 attendees from across the University, alongside guests from industry, professional societies and partner organisations. The event marked an important milestone for the Centre, which brings together expertise spanning speciality optical fibres, nanoscale and quantum photonics, nanobiophotonics, instrumentation and light-matter interactions.

The event opened with a welcome address from Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, who highlighted photonics as a strategic research strength for the University and recognised the significant opportunities the new Centre will create for interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and external engagement.

Attendees representing a range of organisations working across photonics, telecommunications, sensing, defence and measurement science were then invited to tour the Centre's state-of-the-art photonics laboratories and facilities, showcasing the advanced capabilities that support cutting-edge research and collaboration across the University.

A highlight of the programme was a plenary lecture from Professor Dame Polina Bayvel, one of the world's leading researchers in optical communications, who shared insights into the future of photonic technologies and their role in addressing global challenges.

The event also featured a poster exhibition, an industry exhibition, and demonstrations organised by the Centre's Optica Student Chapter, providing opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange between researchers, students and external partners.

In the afternoon, an industry panel brought together experts from across the sector to discuss future opportunities and challenges for photonics research and innovation. The panel comprised Dr Jim Stone (Prothea Technologies), Dr Daniel Gilks (BT), Dr Gary Stevens (DSTL), Dr Tim Batten (Renishaw), and Dr Jonathan Silver (NPL). Discussions highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between universities and industry in accelerating the translation of research into real-world applications.

The Centre for Photonics builds on Bath's long-standing reputation for excellence in optical fibre science and technology while fostering interdisciplinary research across a broad range of photonics disciplines. By bringing together researchers from across the University and strengthening links with external partners, the Centre aims to support new collaborations, attract investment and develop technologies with impact in communications, healthcare, sensing, manufacturing and quantum technologies.

Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, said:

Photonics is a strategic priority for the University of Bath and an area in which we have established an international reputation for excellence. The new Centre for Photonics provides a focal point for bringing together researchers, students, industry partners and external stakeholders to accelerate discovery and innovation. By building on our existing strengths and fostering new collaborations, the Centre will help ensure that Bath remains at the forefront of advances in photonic science and technology for many years to come.”

Professor Duncan Craig, Dean of the Faculty of Science, added:

Photonics has been, and continues to be, a significant strength of the University of Bath and I am absolutely delighted that the Centre for Photonics has been relaunched, bolstered by the enthusiastic support and leadership of both established and up-and-coming researchers in the field. I look forward to working with the Centre to build on and extend its very impressive record of international achievement and impact.”

The launch event was organised by the Centre Co-Directors Dr Kristina Rusimova and Professor William Wadsworth and supported by members of the Centre for Photonics Management Team, including Dr Soraya Caixeiro and Dr Stephanos Yerolatsitis, whose contributions helped shape the programme and showcase the breadth of photonics research taking place at Bath.

The organisers also recognised Hannah Martin and Rebecca Walters for coordinating the Optica Student Chapter hand-on photonics demonstrations, which provided visitors with an opportunity to engage with photonics through a range of hands-on activities. Special thanks were extended to Hannah Vooght, Department of Physics Coordinator, whose organisation and coordination were instrumental to the success of the event.

The Centre for Photonics would also like to thank all attendees, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors for their support in making the launch a success. The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated throughout the day reflected the strong momentum behind photonics research at Bath and the exciting opportunities ahead for the new Centre.