Debating the future of photonics: experts assess the challenges and opportunities ahead
The key themese facing photonics industry and research in the UK were discussed at the recent Photon2026 conference in Newcastle The post Debating the future of photonics: experts assess the challenges and opportunities ahead appeared first on Physics World .
The UK is renowned for its photonics industry and should take pride in its achievements, according to John Lincoln, chief executive of the UK Photonics Leadership Group (PLG). At a recent Photon2026 conference in Newcastle, experts gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the photonics sector in the UK and EU.
In 2024, photonics generated £18.5bn in revenue, a 20% increase from 2022, and contributed £8.6bn to the UK economy, supporting over 75,000 jobs in more than 1,200 firms across the country. Northern Ireland is set to become Europe's largest laser manufacturer by 2028, and a national UK roadmap for photonics is expected to be published soon to further boost the sector.
By 2035, photonics is projected to be a £50bn industry, with more than 60% of the UK economy directly dependent on it. The panel debate, organized by physicist Jolyon De Freitas and the European Optical Society, highlighted the UK's strong position in photonics and the potential for collaboration between the UK and EU to maintain and advance this position.
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