Gapontsev Prize for Innovations in Fiber Lasers

About this program

The VPG Foundation–funded Gapontsev Prize, administered by Optica, awards US$20,000 plus travel to the Optica Laser Congress to recognize early-career researchers pursuing innovative projects that advance fiber laser science, applications, or commercialization. The prize emphasizes work with potential global or real‑world impact and grants recipients considerable research freedom. Applicants must be Optica members, be 1–5 years post highest degree, and be actively conducting research in fiber laser technologies (broadly defined across fundamental, manufacturing, medical, energy, conservation, etc.), with recognized allowances for career breaks. Application materials include a CV (≤4 pages), a 150‑word research summary, a 2‑page proposal, one example publication, and two recommendation letters; the current application cycle is closed (contact prizes@optica.org for inquiries).