The Optical Society promotes and delivers scientific and technical information on optics and photonics worldwide that is authoritative, accessible and archived. Since 1916, OSA has been the world’s leading champion for optics and photonics, uniting and educating scientists, engineers, educators, technicians and business leaders worldwide to foster and promote technical and professional development. OSA supports an extensive global network of more than 370 Student Chapters with around 8,000 student members worldwide. These chapters, managed for and by students, create valuable opportunities for professional development and foster lasting relationships between peers and mentors.

Established in 2006, IONS is a three to five day conference organized by OSA student chapters across the globe. IONS conference is one of the famous student conferences which spreads a vast amount of information, inspiration, enthusiasm about career in optics and photonics among students covering a wide range of recent advancements in these fields worldwide.

The goal of IONS is to provide students with the opportunity to build a program where they can:

* Engage with their peers by showcasing technical content they are currently researching.

* Receive professional development training for career advancement.

* Network with luminaries and lecturers from around the world to identify the latest advances in science and determine strategies for success in their profession.

In total, more than 4,000 students have participated in the IONS program since its inception. More information can be found here.