SPIE BiOS 2021, the largest biophotonics conference in the world, moves to an online format this year, focusing on nascent imaging modalities, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The event, which is part of SPIE Photonics West 2021, brings together researchers, engineers, scientists, and clinicians to explore optical technologies in the treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions. The conference runs March 6-11. Presentations are slated on subjects including retinal imaging for ophthalmology, label-free analysis of tissue, the application of lasers in dermatology, biophotonics in sports and exercise science, microfluidics, and plasmonics in biology and medicine. Co-chairs Jennifer Barton of the University of Arizona and Wolfgang Drexler of the Medical University of Vienna curated the program. Technical tracks The sessions are divided into six technical tracks: Photonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics — chaired by Brian Jet-Fei Wong of the Beckman Laser Institute and Eva M. Sevick of the University of Texas Health Science Center. Neurophotonics, Neurosurgery, and Optogenetics — chaired by Elizabeth Hillman of Columbia University. Clinical Technologies and Systems — chaired by Tuan Vo-Dinh of Duke University and Anita Mahadevan-Jansen of Vanderbilt University. Tissue Optics, Laser-Tissue Interaction, and Tissue Engineering — chaired by E. Duco Jansen of Vanderbilt University and Jessica C. Ramella-Roman of Florida International University. Biomedical Spectroscopy, Microscopy, and Imaging — chaired by Ammasi Periasamy of the University of Virginia and David L. Farkas of the University of Southern California. Nano/Biophotonics — chaired by Paras Prasad of the University at Buffalo and Ewa M. Goldys of the University of New South Wales. Best papers The Best Paper Awards categories this year include: Therapeutics and Diagnostics in Urology — sponsored by Boston Scientific. Multiscale Imaging and Spectroscopy — sponsored by Thorlabs. Ophthalmic Technologies — underwritten by Johnson & Johnson Vision. Microfluidics, BioMEMS, and Medical Microsystems — sponsored by microfluidic ChipShop. Photons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing — sponsored by Seno Medical. Multiphoton Microscopy in the Biomedical Sciences — sponsored by Jen Lab. Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Superresolution Imaging — sponsored by PicoQuant. High-Speed Biomedical Imaging and Spectroscopy — sponsored by Pi Photonics, Hitachi High-Tech, and nac Image Technology. Nanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications — sponsored by Prizmatix. Colloidal Nanocrystals for Biomedical Applications — sponsored by Ocean Insight. SPIE President John Greivenkamp said BiOS was moving online along with other early 2021 conferences and trade shows. “It’s been a challenging year for our entire community, and I know that I am not alone in my desire to meet in person to exchange ideas, research, technological advances, and new products,” he said. “We are hopeful of being able to gather in person later in 2021.” For more information and updates about SPIE BiOS 2021, visit www.spie.org/conferences-and- exhibitions/photonics-west/bios. A Look Back at BiOS 2020 Students had the opportunity to showcase their work in last year’s poster exhibit. Images are from the BiOS 2020 in-person event. Courtesy of SPIE. An attendee observes new optical technology up close. Images are from the BiOS 2020 in-person event. Courtesy of SPIE. Representatives of various companies explain how their latest developments could affect research and industry. Images are from the BiOS 2020 in-person event. Courtesy of SPIE.