Their advice, combined with a web search, can produce excellent leads. As of this time, there does not seem to be a single website where research opportunities for students are gathered. But for now, students can start with the few organizations named earlier and look at the available opportunities listed on the web. The next step is to find programs or individuals involved in optics research. This cannot be difficult, because a web search, or calling the institute's public relations or education department can turn up ample information.
Some organizations send out information packages on request.
Students who have a specific optics discipline or project in mind could, for example, use the SPIE publication database and conduct a search using relevant technical terms and the name of the institute they are interested in as keywords. Once the desired research program is identified, the student can formally apply through one of the established programs. If no formal program exists, or even if there is one, the candidate may still want to contact the institute or the technical staff involved and inquire about possible opportunities and details. Because most of these institutions have procedures in place for accepting student researchers, they may accept interested students outside the established student research venues if the technical staff with whom the student wishes to work agrees. This is particularly possible for students wishing to conduct short-term unpaid research.