Workshop Science meets Practice
Light & Dark: Two sides of the same coin
”It often seems there are two sides when it comes to artificial light at night: those who want to protect the natural darkness for the survival of biodiversity and those who use light to enhance people’s night-time experience through placemaking and wayfinding.
We believe these are two faces of the same coin. They are inter-connected and it is imperative that they work together. There is a growing number of lighting professionals who care about the protection of natural night and who are part of the ALAN conference organisation team.
Through this approach, we hope to lay the foundations for a platform that brings all parties together with the goal of eliminating the adverse effects of artificial and excessive lighting at night. Together, we can work towards a mutual understanding and create a better night-time environment for all living beings, not just humans. ”
A Science meets Practice Workshop
In addition to the presentations of the newest interdisciplinary ALAN research, ALAN 2025 will feature a Science meets Practice workshop, which aims to bring these experts & advocates together as part of the ALAN2025.
Light & Dark: One Coin with Two Faces will explore:
- How can scientists communicate their results and concerns to the lighting industry?
- What are the challenges for the lighting industry and how can scientists help?
- How can scientists, manufacturers, and designers work together to create realistic lighting solutions which can tackle light pollution?
Through this, we hope to lay the foundations of a platform that brings all parties together under one concentrated goal of eliminating the adverse effects of artificial and excessive lighting at night. Together, we can work towards a mutual understanding and create a better night-time environment for all living, not just humans.
If you want to be a part of this and help to shape the way to better outdoor lighting, join us at ALAN2025 in Westport, Ireland. You are also welcome to submit an abstract for a presentation on your own work, which will be subject to a peer-review process. Additionally, we offer packages for companies allowing them to exhibit their dark sky & biodiversity friendly products and innovation. Whilst ALAN cannot endorse or promote any particular product or manufacturer, we’d like you to see this as a great opportunity to join in an open conversation and constructive collaboration towards the protection of the natural night.
To get involved, please contact:
Annette Krop-Benesch
Co-Chair ALAN Steering Committee