August 8-10, 2025
Location: University of Toronto (St. George Campus), Toronto, Canada
Volunteer Application
Student Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Useful Links
Making optics seem like ‘light’ work!
How do we create holograms in augmented reality headsets?
Can we design cameras to see inside the human body?
What would a computer powered by light look like?
UofT’s Optica/SPIE Student Chapter proudly presents the Optics Summer School Program (OSSP), an opportunity for early undergraduate students to get an insider look into the exciting optics research done at UofT!
Program
Sample schedule from the 2024 event
2025 Schedule will be posted closer to the event
| Time | Friday, August 23 | Saturday, August 24 | Sunday, August 25 |
| Morning | Seminar: Introduction to Geometric Optics | Seminar: The Wave Nature of Light 2, Polarization 1 | Seminar: Diffraction |
| Demo: Geometric Optics Live Demo | Lab Tour Rotations | Lab Tour Rotations | |
| Lunch | Provided by OSSP! | ||
| Afternoon | Seminar: The Wave Nature of Light 1 | Seminar: Polarization 2 | Industry Session |
| Demo: Interference of Light Experiment | Lab Tour Rotations | Workshop: Student Showcase | |
| Evening | Industry Talk: Dr. Jared Mikkelsen (Lightmatter) | Workshop: Breakout Session | Closing Remarks |
FAQ
Does OSSP provide travel/accommodations assistance for those coming from outside Toronto?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide travel assistance for participants outside of Toronto. Our sincerest apologies — we recognise that travel and accommodations for OSSP will be challenging for those outside Toronto and are hoping to address this in OSSP 2026.
Where can I stay near campus?
Short-term stays are available at New College Residences on Campus: https://ncsummer.utoronto.ca/book-a-room/
We do not have a group rate at this time. Please fill in the end-of-conference survey or contact us if you had issues with New College Residences.
How can I get to campus?
Parking is available around campus and in the new King’s College Circle garage. Please note that vehicle access to the garage is from the Wellesley Street underpass only. There is no access from King’s College Road, Galbraith Road, or King’s College Circle.
Campus is also highly accessible via public transit. Queen’s Park, Museum and St. George Subway Stations are the closest to campus.
I can’t make all the events! Can I still attend?
Of course! Please let an organizer know when you arrive to your first event to sign in and receive a badge.
Where can I find a full event schedule with times?
The finalized schedule will be posted closer to the event.
Who should apply?
Why, you, of course! OSSP is designed with 1-2 year undergraduate students in mind, but we’ll happily consider anyone at any school/department interested in exploring optics and are looking for a great opportunity to.
Do I need experience in optics to apply?
Nope! We know that it’s really hard to get exposed to optics during undergrad. We’re trying to bridge that gap!
What should I do if I want to pursue a career in optics?
- Apply for the OSSP!
- Take an introductory optics course.
- Reach out to professors in the photonics department and ask if they’re taking research interns!
- Working in optics typically requires a graduate degree. It’s helpful to start thinking about it early so you can plan your undergraduate activities accordingly.
What should I do if I have an infrequently asked question?
Shoot us an email at photonics@utoronto.ca.
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