Building the future of biophotonics through experiential education and seasonal schools.

Significance: Photonics represents a low-hanging fruit and a highly lucrative industry on the global stage, with applications spanning healthcare and biophotonics, energy and environmental photonics, agriculture and food systems, quantum photonics, telecommunications and data communications, among many other sectors. Despite this breadth of opportunity, the availability of structured biophotonics courses and programs remains limited, largely due to the inherently multidisciplinary nature of the field. Compounding this challenge, many schools, particularly in developing countries, lack adequate science laboratories, especially at the secondary level, thereby depriving learners of the practical exposure necessary to grasp fundamental theoretical concepts meaningfully. Aim: These gaps underscore the need for innovative and creative approaches to education and capacity development. Approach: Initiatives such as job-shadowing opportunities, outreach activities, summer schools, and diverse forms of online learning are therefore essential in widening access and building foundational skills. Results: Introducing photonics, optics, and biophotonics at the high-school and undergraduate levels would significantly strengthen the talent pipeline, cultivating scarce and highly sought-after skills. Conclusions: Against this backdrop, this paper highlights the importance of targeted strategies that advance biophotonics education and capacity building as a catalyst for sectoral growth.