Each year, Photonics Media honors standout contributors to the photonics and optics industry who have made a significant difference through their efforts and achievements in photonics science, business and education. The Beacons program is fueled by nominations from our readers, and this year, we’ve extended the deadline to July 3, 2017 to reach as many readers — and gather as many nominations — as possible. You can nominate a mentor, a colleague, or anyone you feel has made a substantial contribution to the industry. Industry Beacons will be awarded in five categories, including research, industry advocacy, entrepreneurship, leadership and education. In the Educator category, we’re looking for nominations for teachers who have inspired students at the high-school through post-graduate levels to go on to make their mark on the photonics industry. Last year, Industry Beacon recipients in the Educator category included a high school science teacher who created a precision optics fabrication program for his students, preparing them to join the burgeoning field of optics; a scientist who shared her enthusiasm for space science with a team of knowledge-thirsty interns; and an associate professor whose passion for optics inspired numerous students to pursue a photonics career. Who will be this year’s Industry Beacon winners, in education, business and research? It could be the hardworking person nominated by you. Let us know your choice for Industry Beacon today. Just fill out our brief nomination form: https://www.photonics.com/beacons. Deadline for nominations is Monday, July 3, 2017. A video of 2016 Industry Beacon award winners in the Education category. Courtesy of Photonics Media.