IYL-2015 was dated for several outstanding events and scientific achievements. First of all in 1815 Augustin Fresnel introduced a concept of light wave. Then 50 years later James Maxwell formulated the electromagnetic theory of light propagation. In 1905 Albert Einstein discovered the law of the photoelectric effect and in ten years he also developed the general theory of relativity.
Apart from that International Year of Light aimed to solve such important problems as how to provide accessible education and how to develop power supply system in undeveloped countries. Many researchers from all over the world initiated various seminars, conferences and projects in order to discuss these up-to-date topics. Following this trend St. Petersburg experts organized more than 40 meetings that were focused on making light science popular. Here are some of them supported by ITMO University: All-Russian Students Competition in Optical Engineering, IX International Conference Optics-2015, XVI International Feofilov Symposium and so forth.
One of the most remarkable events of IYL-2015 was Magic of Light, exhibition of light installations, holograms and optoclones®, initiated by ITMO University in alliance with Hellenic Institute of Holography. The exhibition opened its` doors for more than 75, 000 Russian and international guests who enjoyed interactive exhibits, realistic optoclones®, performances, quests, workshops and lectures. It has received invitations from various cities from all over the world. The next place where one can see Magic of Light is Moscow.
The University also initiated X International Symposium on Display Holography (ISDH 2015) in honor of Yuri Denisyuk, one of the founders of optical holography. IYL-2015 inspired young scientists from different countries to take part in fleshmobs and art projects. For example, Oleg Borisov and Vladislav Gromov, students of Computer Technologies and Control Department, designed a robot, which could paint the logo of IYL-2015.
This year researchers organized not only events and meetings centered around scientific problems, but also initiated many socially oriented projects. For instance, Alfredo Moser, Brazilian mechanic, suggested to fix empty plastic bottles in the roof`s holes to illuminate houses without electricity in undeveloped countries. “Moser lamps” are filled with chlorinated water to prevent bacteria spread. Thanks to refraction of sunlight it lights as a 40-60-watt incandescent bulb. Nowadays this invention is widely used in Tanzania, Bangladesh, the Fiji Islands, Argentina, India and other countries.
At the IYL-2015 Closing Ceremony the leaders of top world`s universities and research centers as well as stakeholders of non-profit organizations present their papers. The main speakers of the meeting are John Mather and Shuji Nakamura, famous physicists and Nobel prize winners.
Despite the fact that International Year of Light has come to the end its` participants continue to initiate new events. For example, French officials prolonged the project until the end of June to launch 1, 000 projects connected with light science. Some other countries support this idea; it means that IYL must go on!