OPTIQUE BFC Congress

The OPTIQUE BFC Congress is the largest Optics-Photonics congress in France, set to take place at the Exhibition and Trade Center of Dijon. Organized by the French Optical Society, this biennial event aims to gather researchers, doctoral students, and industry professionals from Europe and beyond to engage in dialogue and share innovations in the field of optics and photonics. The congress will feature a robust scientific program highlighted by eleven plenary lectures from leading figures in optics and photonics, covering a wide range of topics from fundamental physics to emerging applications. Among these, one lecture will be delivered by the winner of the prestigious 2026 Léon Brillouin Grand Prize. Additionally, there will be sessions dedicated to the history and heritage of optics in France, showcasing significant advancements such as 50 years of the fiber optic gyroscope and 40 years of adaptive optics for astronomy.The OPTIQUE BFC Congress is particularly focused on fostering the next generation of researchers. It invites doctoral students and research engineers to present their findings through oral presentations or posters, thereby ensuring that young researchers have the opportunity to participate in a major conference in their field. The event will also see participation from over 45 exhibitors from the optics-photonics ecosystem, including startups that will showcase their technologies and projects. Networking events, including an industrial plenary session and a Cheese & Wine evening at the Gala Dinner, are designed to facilitate exchanges between various stakeholders in the optics-photonics sector. In recognition of excellence, prestigious awards will be presented, including the SFO lifetime achievement prize and the Fabry-de Gramont Prize for outstanding young researchers. The congress also aims to promote gender parity in optics, with initiatives aimed at increasing the number of women in the field and providing mentorship opportunities, particularly for young female researchers. With a focus on education, the congress will feature a series of educational programs and workshops aimed at enhancing teaching methodologies in optics.