ORC hosts symposium to mark 40 years of Integrated Photonic Devices (IPD)
The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) recently hosted a symposium celebrating 40 years of Integrated Photonic Devices (IPD), honouring its founding member, Professor James Wilkinson. The event took place at the University of Southampton on Friday 17 April 2026.
The symposium showcased key milestones achieved by the ORC, including the significant contributions of Professor Wilkinson and the IPD research group. Organised and chaired by Professor Senthil Murugan Ganapathy, who has worked closely with Professor Wilkinson, the event brought together colleagues, alumni and collaborators from across the field.
The symposium turned to be well-attended and featuring presentations from across the University of Southampton community. Highlights included an address from the Vice Chancellor who described the ORC as a pillar of outstanding research with a prominent global profile for 36 years.
The symposium also provided an opportunity to celebrate Professor Wilkinson’s remarkable career and lasting impact. As the originator of the integrated photonic devices research theme, his work has shaped the direction of the field. Attending the event with his wife, Professor Wilkinson was also recognised for recently celebrating his 70th birthday. Speakers paid tribute not only to his academic achievements but also to his supportive and collaborative approach, which has left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike.
A testament to his success, several speakers at the symposium had been previous PhD students of Professor Wilkson, including guest speaker Dr Eustace Mwarania, Professor Wilkinson’s first PHD student from 1989-1992. Dr Mwarania spoke on the ‘Beginnings of Planar Waveguide Devices’ at the ORC. Dr Jaymin Amin, also a PhD student of Professor Wilkinson, shared insights from his journey from laboratory research to the large-scale commercialisation of photonic technologies.
Following the talks the event concluded with a drinks reception where guests enjoyed a special presentation marking Professor Wilkinson’s milestone birthday and time at the ORC. The presentation included a collection of photographs from Professor Wilkinsons time at the university, including his earliest days at the ORC.
Special thanks were extended to Professor Senthil Murugan Ganapathy for organising and chairing the symposium.
Professor Senthil Murugan Ganapathy said:
“It was a privilege to organise and chair the symposium. This event highlighted the rich tradition and pioneering contributions from across the UK that have shaped this field, with inspiring reflections on the work of leading figures such as Professor Richard De La Rue (University of Glasgow), Professor Graham Reed (Director of the ORC) and industrial leader Dr. Jaymin Amin (Corning Inc.).
Special thanks to Professor James Wilkinson for his remarkable contributions to integrated photonic devices over four decades at the University of Southampton. It was also wonderful to reconnect with many ORC alumni who have advanced this field over the last four decades - travelling from across the globe to be part of this celebration.”