Skip To Content

Learn more about the award and its establishment

Information and deadlines for nominations

View the members

Sang Soo Lee Award

Recognizes outstanding leadership in founding or growing an optics and photonics community. 

The scope of the award encompasses individuals who have played a key role in a specific region through research, education, introduction of a new field, or initiation of industry.  Nominations are solicited from the global optics and photonics community.

The award was established in 2013 to honor Prof. Sang Soo Lee for his pioneering role in establishing optics in the Republic of Korea. It is jointly presented by Optica and Optical Society of Korea (OSK) in even years, and is endowed by OSK, Optica and the family of Sang Soo Lee.

Winners

2024

Boon S Ooi

Boon S Ooi

For pioneering the field of optoelectronic devices and systems and growing the optics and photonics community in Saudi Arabia

2022

Andrew Forbes

Andrew Forbes

For advancing photonics in South Africa through strategic leadership in executing national photonics programmes, high-impact research and education, and mentorship of African researchers.

2020

Ajoy K Ghatak

Ajoy K Ghatak

For his seminal role in the development of fiber optics and guided wave photonics and for pioneering optics education in India

2018

Cheng-Chung Lee

Cheng-Chung Lee

For 30 years Cheng Chung Lee has guided, educated, developed and inspired the optical coating industry in Taiwan and has been the key figure in its growth and success

2016

Sang-Sam Choi

Sang-Sam Choi

For pioneering the development of optical fiber in South Korea which led to flourishing optical fiber and optical communication industries

2014

Mario Garavaglia

Mario Garavaglia

For his key role in the development of optics and photonics research and education in Argentina

* Deceased

Image for keeping the session alive