Every year on May 16, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Light, a global initiative that highlights the vital role light plays in science, culture, education, and sustainable development. In 2025, the theme, “Light, Innovation, and Society”, invites us to reflect on how light-based technologies are not only shaping our everyday lives but also driving transformative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From groundbreaking advances in healthcare and communications to innovations in energy and environmental sustainability, this year’s focus emphasises the powerful connection between light-driven innovation and its social impact.

To explore this theme and celebrate International Day of Light, we are exploring everything we have learnt across our Meaning of Light online series so far and highlighting the key takeaways.

We first launched the Meaning of Light in September of 2024 with the goal to explore the profound impact of natural and artificial light on various aspects of life. Over the course of the series so far, we have heard from a number of speakers, all with a variety of experiences and professions who have provided diverse perspectives on the multifaceted role of light and lighting.

Here are our key takeaways:

It is undeniable that light and health are intertwined. Across the talks from this series, all of our speakers have highlighted the different impacts that natural light and artificial light can have on our bodies. Anna Levin’s personal story about the detrimental effects that artificial lighting had on her health was the first in our Meaning of Light series. It set the stage for future discussions about the negative impacts that artificial light is having on people around the globe and what can be done to change the story.

A recurring theme across many of our talks has been the crucial role of light in regulating our biological rhythms, such as the sleep-wake cycle. 1 Consequently, it follows that we must design spaces that support our biology and circadian rhythms. The message from Professor Russell Foster, Scott Zimmerman, and Tye Farrow was the necessity of architectural design that actively fosters health through strategic lighting choices. They collectively encouraged the lighting design and architectural world to continue striving for solutions that encompass the entire spectrum of light and can be adjusted to replicate the natural daylight cycle.

Digging deeper into the connection between light and our bodies, some of our speakers examined its healing potential. We learned about the exciting potential of infrared light to heal cells, enhance vision, and promote better health. Professors Bob Fosbury and Glen Jeffery shared their groundbreaking research on infrared light, showing its potential to transform healthcare, interior design, and even help with space travel. Also, Dr Geoffrey Guy and Alistair Nunn of the Guy Foundation spoke of their research on the impact of light when travelling in space, specifically on how it influences mitochondria and healthy ageing. Both of these talks emphasised the critical need for light on the cellular level and how it can cure disease and promote health.

The issue of artificial lighting extends far beyond human health, casting a significant shadow on our environment. Experts like Professor Bob Fosbury, lighting designer Simon Thorpe, and Anna Levin eloquently highlighted the urgent need to shift our perspective and design for darkness. They emphasised that the lighting industry’s current practices contribute to light pollution and unsustainable resource use, profoundly impacting animal habitats and disrupting natural ecosystems. We must strive for lighting designs that not only prioritise human wellbeing, but also actively minimise their environmental footprint. This involves a conscious effort to reclaim the night, not as an empty void, but as a vital period of darkness essential for the health of our planet and all its inhabitants.

When we began the series, it was our aim to highlight the impact that light has on health, wellbeing, and the environment and throughout the series, we have always been impressed by the number of people interested in and passionate about creating better spaces through lighting. We are extremely proud to be part of the lighting revolution, pushing for better lighting technologies to deliver better quality of light for people and planet.

If you have missed any talks so far, read all about them on our blog or watch the full recordings on our YouTube channel. Stay up to date with upcoming live talks by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.