The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) has issued its Call for Contributions for CIE 2027, the organization’s 31st Quadrennial Session, set to take place in Nanjing, China, July 9–17, 2027. The event will be hosted in partnership with the China Illuminating Engineering Society (CIES) / CIE National Committee of China.
At the center of the nine-day program is the CIE 2027 Scientific Conference, running July 12–14, which brings together researchers, manufacturers, specifiers, and standardization experts to present the latest developments across the lighting field. CIE is now inviting authors to submit original research, concepts, and findings for consideration.
Key Dates
Authors have a submission window that opens now and runs through several review stages:
- August 20, 2026: Call for Contributions published; submission system opens
- November 10, 2026: Short Paper submission deadline; peer review begins
- January 14, 2027: Early registration opens
- March 3, 2027: Review results announced
- May 3, 2027: Deadline for revised Short Papers and Full-Length Papers; early bird registration ends
- June 16, 2027: Open access fee payment deadline
Scope
Submissions are welcome across all six CIE scientific Divisions: vision and colour; physical measurement of light and radiation; interior environment and lighting design; transportation and exterior applications; photobiology and photochemistry; and image technology. CIE is also encouraging papers on emerging topics tied to the Divisions’ work, including AI-driven road lighting optimization, healthful and medical lighting, inclusive lighting, daylighting, precision agriculture and horticulture applications, and balancing artificial light at night with light pollution concerns.
Submission Process
Authors begin with a 150-word abstract and short summary (Short Paper), submitted through the CIE 2027 online system on ConfTool, undergoing double-blind peer review. Accepted submissions are then resubmitted as either a revised Short Paper or a Full-Length Paper — the latter recommended, since only Full-Length Papers qualify for CIE’s Best Paper, Best Poster, and Best Student Paper awards, open-access publication, and a standalone DOI through the CIE Webshop. Each first author may submit up to four Short Papers; presenters are capped at two long oral presentations.
All accepted work will appear in the Proceedings of the CIE, and select papers will be considered for special issues in Lighting Research & Technology and Color Research & Application following the event.
Program Highlights
The Scientific Conference will open each day with a keynote — speakers include Prof. Xin Zhang on traditional Chinese architectural lighting, Dr. Annette Koo on the history of the candela and SI units, and Prof. Roland Fleming on material perception. Seven workshops are planned across CIE Divisions, covering topics like temporal light modulation metrics, sports lighting standards, photobiological safety, and an AI-focused panel on the future of lighting education.
The broader Quadrennial Session also includes the CIE Industry Forum (July 10), General Assembly (July 11), a Welcome Reception, and Division/Technical Committee meetings (July 15–16).
Young Researchers and Exhibitors
CIE is offering discounted registration, a dedicated Best Student Paper Award, and a student social event for Master’s and PhD participants, along with a “Light & Design Student Challenge” inviting students to use generative AI to explore themes in light and lighting. Exhibition and sponsorship packages, ranging from Bronze to Platinum tiers, are also available for companies looking to connect with the international lighting community on-site in Nanjing.
Full author guidelines, templates, and registration details are available on the CIE 2027 conference website. Questions on venue, registration, or sponsorship can be directed to CIES at [email protected]; scientific and general inquiries go to the CIE Central Bureau at [email protected].