SPIE - D.J. Lovell Scholarship

SPIE D.J. Lovell Scholarship

You will receive a one-off grant of about 10,175 EUR (US $11,000) for one academic year. This is the highest individual award available under the SPIE scholarship programme. The money is intended to cover your tuition fees, other fees, books, materials and other study-related expenses. It is awarded by SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics. Each year, it is awarded to just one person: the applicant who has achieved the highest score out of all students shortlisted for a specific SPIE scholarship.

Who can apply

• Field of study: You are studying a subject in the field of optics and photonics (the science of light and light-based technologies), including physics and engineering.
• Level: You may be at any stage of your studies: grammar school, university of applied sciences or vocational college; bachelor’s, master’s or PhD.
• Membership: You are an active SPIE student member. The membership fee is $20 US dollars per year; membership is free for school pupils. Your membership must remain valid throughout the examination period (from 15 February to 30 June).
• Nationality and university: Applicants of any nationality can apply to any institution worldwide.
• No top degree yet: You have not yet obtained the highest academic qualification in your field, such as a PhD, MD or JD.
• One per level: Only one SPIE scholarship may be awarded per stage of study. Preference will be given to applicants who have never received an SPIE scholarship before.
• Financial need: That doesn’t count. The selection process is based on your potential to make a long-term contribution to optics and photonics.

How to apply

You submit a single online application. This will be considered for all the SPIE scholarships listed, so there is no separate form for this award. The application deadline is 15 every year. February at 17:00 Pacific Time. You will need to provide a CV, academic transcripts, a short essay (max. 400 words) and two references (not from family members). The results will be sent by email in May or June.

How realistic are your chances?

This is the programme’s highest honour. It is awarded to just one student worldwide – namely, the one who ranks highest amongst all scholarship holders; it is therefore very difficult to obtain. You cannot apply for it directly. First, you must win one of the specifically named scholarships and then be assessed as the best in that group. A clear, well-reasoned description of your future contribution to optics and photonics is crucial, as grades and financial need alone are not decisive factors.