News & Spotlights

Organized by OpTecBB in collaboration with Advanced UV for Life, this session brings together leading scientists, developers, and industry users from across the globe to share insights, present breakthrough research, and shape the future of this rapidly advancing field. Driven by growing demand in high-impact applications such as water purification, surface and air disinfection, medical sterilization, and indoor air quality systems, AlGaN-based ultraviolet light emitters have made remarkable progress. Emerging uses in areas like food safety, semiconductor manufacturing, and environmental monitoring further accelerate innovation. This session will highlight the latest achievements and provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art developments in UV-LED technologies and their applications. Chairs: Thomas Neicke (Advanced UV for Life), Prof. Dr. Michael Kneissl (Technische Universität Berlin, Member of Advanced UV for Life), Dr. Sven Einfeldt (Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, Advanced UV for Life).

ICFUST 2026 pursues a highly relevant objective: to thoroughly explore the potential of Far-UVC science and technology for protecting lives in healthcare. By preventing healthcare-associated infections, reducing the transmission of pathogens via air and surfaces, and protecting patients and medical staff, Far-UVC can make a tangible contribution to improving patient safety. As an international forum, the conference brings together basic research, safety validation, regulatory aspects, and clinical and environmental applications. With the highest scientific standards and critical, independent evaluation, the focus is particularly on practical benefits: the transfer of reliable research results into practical, effective solutions for infection prevention and safe clinical environments.

A deep‑UV photonics forum presenting advances that enable real‑world applications in spectroscopy, sensing, sterilization, semiconductor processing, and quantum technologies. Experts showcase progress in Al₂O₃ and AlN platforms, high‑performance laser diodes, nonlinear and integrated UV sources, far‑UVC emitters, and scalable crystal fabrication driving next‑generation industrial and scientific systems.

We are pleased to announce the upcoming ICULTA 2026, the International Conference on UV, UV-LED Technologies Applications, taking place from April 21 to 24, 2026, in the dynamic city of Berlin, Germany. Organized by the Advanced UV for Life – Association, ICULTA has established itself as one of the most important global forums for the UV LED community. The conference brings together leading scientists, developers, and users from around the world to exchange ideas, present cutting-edge research, and discuss future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

The annual general meeting of Advanced UV for Life will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Berlin, immediately before the start of ICULTA 2026. All members of the association are cordially invited to attend the meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:15 AM. Participation in the general meeting is free of charge for members. However, for subsequent participation in ICULTA 2026 (April 21–24), a separate official registration via the ICULTA website is required for association members as well. The detailed agenda and organizational information for participation will be provided to members by mid-March.