The Photonics100 list this year is clearly dominated by Western nations, with not one of this year’s honorees based south of the equator. In fact, just seven names on the list are from outside of Europe or North America, a figure we very much hope to see expand next year as photonics grows in global importance. The three best represented countries, perhaps understandably given the history and importance of photonics in their economies are the US, Germany and the UK.