The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) has officially announced its 31st Quadrennial Session, scheduled for 9–17 July 2027 in Nanjing, China — a city where centuries of dynastic history coexist with a thriving modern research landscape. Hosted by the China Illuminating Engineering Society (CIES) and the CIE National Committee of China, CIE 2027 will serve as the global focal point for advances in light and lighting science.
The session brings together leading academics, industry professionals, standards developers, and policymakers under a programme spanning the full scope of the CIE’s six technical divisions. The centrepiece of the week is the three-day Scientific Conference (12–14 July 2027), where each morning opens with a keynote address followed by three parallel tracks of scientific sessions and workshops. A poster exhibition will run throughout, alongside dedicated programming for early-career researchers.
Keynote Spotlight: Illuminating Traditional Chinese Architecture
Prof. Xin Zhang of Tsinghua University’s School of Architecture will deliver a keynote on “The Luminous Environment of Traditional Chinese Architecture and Urban Lighting-Related Topics.” A leading authority on daylighting, artificial lighting, and human factors in lighting design, Prof. Zhang brings a perspective that bridges heritage and scientific rigour. Additional keynote speakers will be announced on the conference website.
Scientific Programme
The Scientific Conference will accept contributions across the CIE’s core research areas:
- Vision and colour, including individualisation of colour matching functions
- Physical measurement of light and radiation, and the benefits of specific wavebands
- Interior lighting and design, covering digital tools, daylighting, and glare modelling
- Transportation and exterior applications, with a focus on inclusive lighting
- Photobiology and photochemistry, including precision agriculture and healthy lighting
- Image technology and the optical characterisation of materials
- Promoting good science and robust scientific methods
Workshops
Six specialist workshops will cross divisional boundaries, addressing current and emerging issues across the CIE’s areas of work:
- Division 1: Individual colour matching functions and their relevance for displays and visual assessment
- Division 2: Temporal light modulation — key findings, open questions, and future measurement needs
- Division 3: Daylight requirements and metrics — bridging harmonisation and design for urban and building contexts
- Division 4: Sports lighting for indoor and outdoor facilities, covering quality, performance, and safety
- Division 6: Photobiological safety assessment for new light sources and applications
- Division 8: Appearance metrology, high dynamic range imaging, and glare management
CIE Industry Forum
New to the 2027 session, the CIE Industry Forum (10 July) provides a dedicated platform for direct, high-level dialogue between CIE Supportive Members, strategic stakeholders, and the CIE’s Governing and Technical Management Boards. The forum will address current and future CIE work, industry needs, and emerging innovations. Participation is by invitation only.
Division and Technical Committee Meetings
Following the Scientific Conference, all six CIE Divisions will hold their Annual Meetings on 15–16 July 2027. These sessions are where the CIE’s active standards and publication work is carried out — an excellent opportunity for those new to the CIE to engage with its technical work and contribute to future activities.
Key Dates
| Date | Milestone |
| 20 August 2026 | Call for contributions opens |
| 10 November 2026 | Submission deadline for short papers |
| 14 January 2027 | Early registration opens |
| 3 March 2027 | Review results announced |
| 4 March 2027 | Full-length paper submission opens |
| 3 May 2027 | Revised paper submission deadline |
| 3 May 2027 | Early bird registration ends |
| 10 July 2027 | CIE Industry Forum |
| 11 July 2027 | General Assembly & Welcome Reception |
| 12–14 July 2027 | Scientific Conference |
| 15–16 July 2027 | Division and TC meetings |
How to Participate
Researchers and practitioners wishing to contribute to CIE 2027 should plan to submit by the 10 November 2026 deadline. Full-length papers and revised short papers may be submitted from 4 March 2027, with final revisions due 3 May 2027.
Exhibition and sponsorship packages are available for organisations wishing to connect with the international lighting community. Details including package levels and booking information will be released on the conference website.
Pre-registration is now available, allowing interested attendees to receive updates on registration opening, the call for contributions, and further announcements.
Contact & Further Information
Conference website: nanjing2027.cie.co.at
Scientific enquiries: [email protected]
Local host (CIES): [email protected]
International Commission on Illumination (CIE) · Babenbergerstraße 9/9A, 1010 Vienna, Austria · cie.co.at