Taking place from 14th–17th September 2026 at the EICC in Edinburgh, SPIE Sensors + Imaging brings together the latest developments in sensor and photonic technologies for imaging, environmental and atmospheric monitoring, and security applications.
With a full programme of presentations and panel sessions, a two-day exhibition and a range of special events, the conference provides an excellent opportunity for Technology Scotland to represent and promote our Photonics Scotland network to both UK and international audiences.
Across the 15th & 16th September, our Director of Photonics Scotland, Dr Alison McLeod, will be involved in a number of special interest groups, workshops and panel sessions throughout the programme.
Take a look at where you can join us below:
Scottish Photonics Sector Capabilities – breakfast briefing | 15th September | 08:15 – 09:45 | Moffat Room
Join our Director of Photonics Scotland, Alison McLeod, for an informal networking breakfast and discover the capabilities of Scotland’s thriving photonics, quantum and wider critical technologies cluster.
Over tea, coffee and breakfast rolls, you’ll hear a short introduction to the Scottish ecosystem before a series of three-minute pitches from organisations across our membership.
To attend, simply register for free for SPIE Sensors + Imaging and join us on the day.
Keeping Research & Innovation Secure – Protecting Your Competitive Advantage – Briefing & Workshop, Drop-in Session | 15th September | 10:30 – 11:30, 12:00 – 14:00
An interactive briefing and workshop with UK Government security specialists focused on protecting your organisation, innovation and competitive advantage.
The briefing and workshop will help attendees better understand the security threats facing innovative UK organisations, identify potential vulnerabilities and make proportionate, risk-based decisions about their organisations’ future.
Following the workshop, a drop-in session from 12:00–14:00 will give attendees the opportunity to speak directly with our experts and discuss questions or concerns face-to-face.
Register for the briefing & workshop
Register for the drop-in session
Photonics for Space and Quantum Technologies Special Interest Groups Joint Meeting | 15th September | 11:40 – 13:10
Join us for a special joint meeting of Technology Scotland’s Photonics for Space and Quantum Technologies Special Interest Groups during SPIE Sensors + Imaging to explore the important relationship between these two critical technologies.
Speakers:
- Catherine Holt, Senior Technology Harmonisation Lead, UK Space Agency
- Kyriaki Minoglou, Head of the Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, European Space Agency
- Natasha Nicholson, CEO, Space Scotland
To attend, simply register for free for SPIE Sensors + Imaging and join us on the day.
Metamaterials Special Interest Group | 16th September | 10:30 – 12:00
Join us for the next Metamaterials Special Interest Group meeting, taking place as part of SPIE Sensors + Imaging, which will explore the potential of metamaterials in sensing and imaging.
We’ll bring together experts from across the ecosystem, including a keynote from Alasdair Clark of the University of Glasgow, short presentations and a panel session.
To attend, simply register for free for SPIE Sensors + Imaging and join us on the day.
A Celebration of Diversity in Sensors + Imaging – Ongoing EDI Initiatives | 16th September | 16:00 – 16:30
Alison will join this session and provide updates on the joint initiative, Opening up Photonics, followed by an overview of the current landscape for women in photonics in Ireland & UK.
To attend, simply register for free for SPIE Sensors + Imaging and join us on the day.