The International Commission on Illumination is proud to be a founding partner of the Light for Public Health Initiative—a global campaign launching on 16 May 2025, UNESCO’s International Day of Light. The initiative seeks to raise public awareness about the impact of light exposure through the eyes on health and well-being, with a particular focus on the vital role of daylight in our daily lives.
The initiative emerged from the Ladenburg Roundtable "Light for health and well-being: From mechanisms to policy" (14–16 April 2024), where 21 international scientists gathered to develop a path from research to real life. Their key recommendations and strategy were outlined in a white paper. The Ladenburg Light and Health Consortium has since developed 26 consensus statements on the connections between light and human health, available at lightforpublichealth.org.
Mission
To inform and empower public health organisations with accessible, science-based guidance on how light affects our biological rhythms, sleep, and well-being, and how to optimise light exposure in daily life.
Key Messages
- Light is a powerful signal for the body as it affects our circadian rhythms, sleep, mood, and cognitive performance.
- It’s not just about how bright the light is: when and what kind of light matters.
- Daylight during the morning and daytime supports aspects of health, while light at night can be disruptive.
- Low light levels in the evening, and darkness while sleeping are part of a healthy light-dark rhythm.
- Managing light exposure is part of a healthy lifestyle, just like diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene.
Contact Information
Coordination:
Prof. Dr. Manuel Spitschan - manuel.spitschan@tum.de
Supporting organizations:
- International Commission on Illumination - ciecb@cie.co.at
- Society for Light, Rhythms and Circadian Health - contact.slrch@gmail.com
- Daylight Academy Office - office@daylight.academy
- Good Light Group - info@goodlightgroup.org
- Center for Environmental Therapeutics - info@cet.org