YSU master's student Edvard Grigoryan awarded 2026 SPIE scholarship

SPIE is one of the world's largest professional organizations, bringing together scientists, engineers, researchers, students and companies working in optics and photonics. In addition to publishing leading scientific journals and organizing international conferences, SPIE awards scholarships and grants each year to students who stand out for their scientific and public engagement.

This year, 85 students received the scholarship. According to Edvard, the selection process takes into account not only academic performance but also research, professional initiative and contributions to science outreach.

"This scholarship recognizes not only the research you have conducted, but also how active you are within the scientific community. In my case, they took into account my work in the laboratory, the projects carried out with the student chapter and my involvement in initiatives aimed at promoting science," he says.

Scientific engagement behind international recognition

Alongside his studies, Edvard has worked as a researcher at the YSU Laboratory of Photonics and Artificial Intelligence for about two years, studying light beam shaping using liquid crystals. The results of his research have already been presented in two international scientific publications. He is currently involved in the laboratory's ongoing research projects.

Edvard has also made an important contribution to the development of the university's scientific community. He previously headed the joint YSO Student Chapter of Optica and SPIE at the YSU Institute of Physics and now continues his involvement as an active member. The chapter brings together students interested in optics and photonics and organizes conferences, workshops, summer camps, science outreach events for school students and various educational initiatives. 

"Our main goal is to promote optics and encourage young people's interest in the field. In recent years, we have visited more than 60 schools, demonstrated physics experiments, and organized camps, workshops and conferences so that students can 'see' science not only in textbooks but also in real life," Edvard says.

Scholarship as investment in future research

The SPIE scholarship can be used to cover tuition fees or purchase professional literature, research equipment or technology needed for studies.

Edvard has already decided how he will use the scholarship.

"This support is first and foremost an investment in my further studies. I plan to use it for educational purposes by purchasing a new computer and other items needed for my research," he says.

According to the YSU student, membership in student chapters gives young people opportunities not only to participate in international programs but also to apply for various scholarships and grants that contribute to their scientific development.