Photonics: science and technology for everyone

At the CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre, we’re working on the cutting edge of light-based technology research, and we believe this work matters most when it’s shared, understood, and accessible. That’s why we’re committed to inspiring and collaborating with teachers, students, and local communities across the UK.

What is Photonics?

Photonics is the science and technology of light—how we generate, control, and use it in everything from lasers and fibre optics to smartphones and medical diagnostics. Photonics underpins many of the technologies we rely on every day, including the internet, telecommunications, and healthcare imaging. A rapidly growing area within this field is silicon photonics, which uses silicon—the same material found in computer chips—to manipulate light with incredible precision. This enables the development of faster, smaller, more energy-efficient and low cost technologies that power high-speed data transfer, smart devices, next-generation medical equipment, artificial intelligence systems and more.

Silicon photonics uses photonics (particles of light), instead of electrical currents, to transmit data through silicon-based microchips. These chips contain millions of components that process and send information for many applications. For example, this technology enables faster communication in data centres, which are facilities that house powerful computers that store and deliver digital content such as videos and apps. Silicon photonics microchips can also be used to analyse blood samples and monitor pollution levels, amongst many other applications.

At CORNERSTONE, we focus on silicon photonics because it combines the power of light with the practicality of silicon, helping turn advanced research into everyday technologies.

THE FUTURE IS PHOTONICS

Our Impact

Over the next five years, we aim to engage teachers, pupils, college students and the public through training activities, science and arts workshops, and arts and science festival fairs. We aim to boost public understanding of over 50%—and we’re just getting started.

For Teachers

We’re here to support your teaching of light, enrich your curriculum, and help your students see the exciting possibilities of STEM careers.

Free Photonics Workshop Kits with virtual training

  • We provide free photonics classroom kits to bring light science alive in your lessons, providing all the resources you need to teach students about light (KS3-KS5). The Photonics Explorer kits contain 10x school safe lasers, LED units, polarising filters, colour gels, lenses and more, and lessons plans to go with them.
  • Each kit (worth £150) is provided free to a teacher who attends the virtual training course learning how to use them, and meeting scientists and engineers who study photonics.

School Visits & Demonstrator Sessions

  • Book engaging workshops for Years 8–10 featuring activities in holography, LED design and programming, polarisation art, and more.
  • We work closely with local schools—primary, secondary, colleges, and SEN—to create meaningful, repeat-intervention learning experiences aligned with your needs.

For Students

Whether you’re exploring your GCSE options or studying at university, CORNERSTONE offers a hands-on look at how light technologies are changing the world.

Discover Science Firsthand

  • Take part in fun, practical workshops on optics, lasers, and chip design—led by real researchers and postgraduate science communicators.

Join Our Events

  • Attend our science and arts festivals, open days, and Light Up Trails events to explore photonics in action.

Shape Your Future in STEM

  • Learn about university pathways, internships, and careers in emerging technologies like AI, space tech, quantum, and healthcare.

We especially want to connect with students who may not see themselves represented enough in science yet—young women, neurodivergent students, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, and young people with disabilities. (and of course we recognise these are not necessarily separate aspects of peoples’ lives!)

For Community Organisations

We work with local groups, youth leaders, and cultural organisations to make science engagement collaborative, inclusive, and fun.

Co-create Events That Matter

  • Partner with us to bring photonics-themed activities to your setting—from uniformed youth groups to family networks and arts collectives.

Support Young People

  • Help us raise awareness of careers in Photonics through trusted community influencers. We provide training, materials, and hands-on support.

Reach New Audiences Together

  • From lantern-making processions to creative science busking, we design engaging content for diverse audiences and public spaces.

Our goal is not only to educate, but to build lasting relationships that reflect the full diversity of our communities.

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Get Involved

Whether you’re a teacher, student, community leader, or just curious about light, we’d love to hear from you. Join us at an event, book a workshop, or explore our growing library of free resources.

Photonics is a science for everyone. Let’s discover it together.