(UK) – Symposium to set out where and how lighting can be applied to enhance human health.

The Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) has announced that the 2020 Lighting Research and Technology Symposium: Applying Light for Human Health will take place online from 2-6 November. The objective for the symposium is to set out where and how lighting can confidently be applied to enhance human health.

For the first time, this event will be taking place online, over five successive days. Each day will consist of a 90-minute session, including a live Q&A discussion. The SLL has curated an international programme designed to address the key topics within the light and health conversation.

Speakers include: Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford; Dr Mark Rea from the Lighting Research Centre, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Dr Mariana Figueiro, Rutgers Institute for Health; Florence Lam, Arup Fellow and Global Lighting Design Leader; Dr Arnold Wilkins, Emeritus Professor at the University of Essex; Arne Lowden of Stockholm University; and many more.

Following the discovery of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell in the human retina, a lot of effort has been expended by researchers on exploring the non-visual effects of light. While this effort has resulted in an increase in understanding by researchers it has also led to several claims of lighting systems that will enhance human health.

This, in turn, has caused anxiety amongst lighting designers and manufacturers. Their concern is that the claimed benefits may not be evident in practice, or worse, they may be detrimental to human health. Alternatively, if true, hesitation to embrace new applications may see them being left behind. 

The SLL Lighting Research & Technology Symposia aim to address topics of relevance to the lighting profession and related disciplines, showcasing papers that have appeared within Lighting Research & Technology (LR&T) Journal.

Instrumental in the planning for the 2020 Symposium has been former LR&T Editor in Chief, Dr Peter Boyce, who said: “The aim of this symposium is to transfer knowledge from the laboratory to the field. The hope is that this will enable lighting to safely and successfully expand its contribution to human health.”

Registration is available for individual days or for the entire week via www.sll.org.uk. Members of the SLL and the IES will be able to book for a discounted rate, along with a reduced rate for students. 

Sessions will take place from 13:00-14:30 GMT every day from 2-6 November 2020, with presentations to be followed by live Q&A discussions each day. More info on the full schedule of speakers can be found here.

www.sll.org.uk