A University of Strathclyde Physics student, Miraidh Reid, has made history as the first UK-based recipient of the prestigious Optica Women Scholars Award.
Miraidh, who is in the final year of her BSc Honours degree in Physics, has been named as one of the 20 Women Scholars for 2025 by Optica, an organisation dedicated to advancing optics and photonics worldwide.
As part of the scholarship, she will receive a prize of US $10,000, a one-year Optica student membership and access to a mentorship platform .
“She is the only one of the 80 scholarship recipients in its four-year history to attend a UK university. “
Miraidh is currently working for her final year project in the Advanced Lasers research group of Professor Jennifer Hastie, the Director of Strathclyde’s Institute of Photonics. Under the supervision of Research Fellow Dr Paulo Moriya, she is investigating the effects of optical coherent feedback on high-performance lasers for quantum technologies.
Photonics is a discipline which spans physics and engineering and has been described as the science of light.
Next generation technologies
Miraidh said: “My project strongly aligns with my research interests in photonics and quantum technologies, which has led me to pursue a keen interest in undertaking a PhD in this field, hopefully contributing to the advancement of laser physics and next generation technologies.
“Beyond my academic pursuits, I am passionate about promoting diversity in STEM and empowering women in the field, and so it is an honour to be selected as an Optica Women Scholar. With the support of Optica, I look forward to expanding my connections and exposure to opportunities that will advance my knowledge in the field.”