PhD researcher, Liv Hawkins, awarded an SPIE Optics and Photonics Scholarship
Congratulations to PES CDT student, Liv Hawkins, who has been awarded a 2026 Optics and Photonics Scholarship by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, for potential contributions to the field of optics and photonics.
An outstanding SPIE Student Member
Liv Hawkins is a PhD researcher on the Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic and Electronic Systems (PES CDT) training programme at the University of Cambridge, supervised by Professor Mete Atatüre in the Quantum Optical Materials and Systems Group. Her work develops quantum networks memory nodes, leveraging diamond spin-photon interfaces for long-distance quantum communications.
Previously, Liv achieved the MRes in Photonic and Electronic Systems through the PES CDT programme, researching quantum dot integrated photonics and electrically-pumped perovskite lasers. She is committed to widening access to higher education and increasing diversity in STEM through many scientific outreach projects.
SPIE awarded USD $351,000 in scholarships to 85 outstanding SPIE Student Members this month (June 2026). Successful applicants were evaluated, selected, and approved by the SPIE Scholarship Committee. SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, which brings engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals together to advance light-based science and technology.
We are especially proud of Liv being one of only three recipients from the UK across the 2026 awards.
SPIE scholarships
To find out more about the SPIE scholarships visit: spie.org
2026 SPIE scholarship recipient: Liv Hawkins, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), award US $3,000.
About Liv Hawkins
Olivia (Liv) Hawkins is a PhD student at University of Cambridge on the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic and Electronic Systems (PES CDT) programme. Her PhD research is in the field of Quantum Network Memory Nodes based on Photonic Integrated Diamond Devices, supervised by Professor Mete Atatüre and funded by EPSRC training programme grant EP/Y034864/1.
Connect with Liv Hawkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liv-hawkins/
Credits
Image: Liv Hawkins, PhD researcher at University of Cambridge. © Olivia Hawkins, 2026.
Original article published by SPIE in June 2026.