What is a POM-hub?
It is a place where students and researchers interested in optics can gather to watch POM as a group, creating local communities. POM-hubs have been very successful and became the soul of the first POM.
How do I organize a POM-hub?
The primary responsibilities of an organizer are simple:
- Reserve a conference room or similar room that can seat a medium size group
- Register for the event on behalf of the group/hub.
- Act as the point of contact for people interested in joining your hub.
- Stream the event from a computer (e.g. your laptop, or a computer in the room).
Is there any funding for POM-hubs?
As in previous years, Optica is supporting student chapters to host POM hub sites. Student chapters can apply directly to Optica for funding for food/drinks and other items of interest. This is entirely optional, and hubs are not required to be affiliated with Optica.
After registering to host a POM-hub, Optica student chapters are encouraged to apply for a Special Program Grant* for up to $300! This grant is directly managed by Optica.
*Note that receiving a Special Program Grant will not affect a chapter’s ability to tap into the full $1,500 of Optica Student Chapter Funding. Follow the instructions described here, if you need help to complete the application. For any further problems, please get in touch with studentchapters@optica.org.