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Stanford University Photonics Retreat (SUPR)

The Stanford University Photonics Retreat (SUPR) is an annual event hosted by the Stanford Optical Society, the local student chapter of both Optica and SPIE.

SUPR's primary purpose is to promote greater interaction within the Stanford optics and photonics research community, which is spread across many departments. Attendees come from electrical engineering, applied physics, chemistry, materials science, bioengineering and biophysics, mechanical engineering, biology, SLAC and the School of Medicine. The retreat stimulates interactions among this diverse group of researchers and serves as a catalyst for fruitful collaborations.

We believe it is important to travel away from campus to avoid daily distractions and to create a focused yet relaxed environment for attendees. SUPR programming begins Friday in the late afternoon and lasts until Sunday in the early afternoon, combining technical sessions, professional development, and social activities. Approximately 100 people attend SUPR, including 80 graduate students and postdocs, faculty and invited speakers, panelists, and industry representatives. 

SUPR 2026 - April 10-12th

General registration opens February 6th at 10am.

Once registration is open, you can purchase your ticket at the SUPR 2026 Eventbrite Page

Registration fees are *heavily* discounted if you are a member of Optica and/or SPIE. Student membership at each costs $20. Its recommended to get your memberships ahead of time so you can register for SUPR's discounted ticket without delays.

Prices:

  • Member of BOTH Optica and SPIE: $70
  • Member of 1 of Optica or SPIE: $90
  • Not a member: $140

Registration fee includes:

  • Housing for Friday and Saturday night
  • 5 total meals provided by conference venue, along with snacks and drinks
  • Access to Monterey Bay Aquarium on Saturday night from 7-10pm, dinner included!

Aquarium:

We have partnered with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to make SUPR 2026 particularly special. On Saturday night (April 11th) we have rented out one wing of the aquarium for SUPR attendees! Dinner and drinks will be included.

Refund policy:

Refund policy: Please request a refund via eventbrite AND email the following contacts by March 27th:

Sydney Mason (sydneyrm@stanford.edu), Abby Stein (ajmstein@stanford.edu)

We cannot guarantee a refund after March 27th.