LU konference
The University of Latvia’s Vice-Rector for Science, Guntars Kitenbergs, highlights Tatjana Pladere’s extensive involvement in international initiatives: “Tatjana has already contributed to the COST Action network and has long been active in both SPIE and Optica organizations. Most recently, she was selected as one of this year’s ten Optica Ambassadors — emerging leaders in the photonics and optics community — alongside researchers from Columbia University, the Max Planck Institute, and other prestigious institutions.”
Tatjana Pladere is the Head of the Optometry and Vision Science Department at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Science and Technology and a leading researcher whose scientific interests include visual perception mechanisms, near-eye display technologies, and methods for their assessment. In 2021, she earned her doctoral degree in physics and astronomy with the dissertation “Assessment of Visual Effectiveness on the Volumetric Multi-Plane Display”. Alongside her academic work, she is actively involved in international professional organizations, promotes science communication, and supports early‑career researchers. In January of this year, Tatjana Pladere received the University of Latvia Excellence Award “Young Scientist of the Year 2025”, recognizing her leadership, impact, and achievements in vision science. Optica describes Tatjana Pladere as a researcher who combines scientific excellence with strong community leadership and the ability to build bridges across diverse professional environments.
Optica is the world’s leading professional society uniting scientists, engineers, and students to advance the development and application of light-based technologies. Founded in 1916, it has grown into a global community of more than 220,000 professionals from over 175 countries.
The Optica Ambassador Program brings together exceptional early-career professionals who demonstrate leadership, scientific competence, and a commitment to advancing the optics and photonics community. Ambassadors represent Optica at international events, provide mentorship, develop educational initiatives, and help strengthen professional networks worldwide.
The Optica Ambassador title is awarded to early-career professionals who not only excel scientifically but also actively contribute to the development of the professional community — offering mentorship, organizing educational activities, fostering international collaboration, and inspiring the next generation. The 2026 Optica Ambassador cohort includes early-career professionals from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, India, and Latvia.
 to outstanding emerging leaders in the fields of optics and photonics. Each year, only ten early-career leaders worldwide are selected for the Optica Ambassador cohort, and Tatjana Pladere is the first representative from the Baltic States to receive this recognition in the program’s 11‑year history.){kind=link}